Readings for Celebrating Advent

“I praise the Lord with all my heart.
⁴⁷     I am very happy because God is my Savior.
⁴⁸ I am not important,
    but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant.
From now until the end of time,
    people will remember how much God blessed me.
⁴⁹ Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me.
    His name is very holy.
⁵⁰ He always gives mercy
    to those who worship him.
⁵¹ He reached out his arm and showed his power.
    He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves.
⁵² He brought down rulers from their thrones
    and raised up the humble people.
⁵³ He filled the hungry with good things,
    but he sent the rich away with nothing.
⁵⁴ God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him.
    He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy.
⁵⁵ He has done what he promised to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his children forever.”