Readings for Celebrating Advent

“My soul praises the greatness of the Lord!
⁴⁷ My spirit exults in God, my Savior,
⁴⁸ because he has looked favorably on his humble servant.

From now on, all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹ because the Almighty has done great things for me.
        His name is holy.
⁵⁰ His mercy lasts from generation to generation
    for those who fear him.
⁵¹ He displayed his mighty power with his arm.
    He scattered people who were proud in mind and heart.^[a]
52 He pulled powerful rulers from their thrones
    and lifted up humble people.
⁵³ He filled hungry people with good things
    and sent rich people away with nothing.
⁵⁴ He helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful,
⁵⁵ according to the promise he made^[b] to our ancestors—
    to Abraham and his descendants forever.”