Readings for Celebrating Advent

“My soul praises the Lord;
⁴⁷ my heart rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ because he has shown his concern for his humble servant girl.
From now on, all people will say that I am blessed,
⁴⁹ because the Powerful One has done great things for me.
    His name is holy.
⁵⁰ God will show his mercy forever and ever
    to those who worship and serve him.
⁵¹ He has done mighty deeds by his power.
    He has scattered the people who are proud
    and think great things about themselves.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    and raised up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with nothing.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant, the people of Israel,
    remembering to show them mercy
⁵⁵ as he promised to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his children forever.”