Readings for Celebrating Advent

“My soul praises the Lord’s greatness!
⁴⁷ My spirit finds its joy in God, my Savior,
⁴⁸ because he has looked favorably on me, his humble servant.

“From now on, all people will call me blessed
⁴⁹ because the Almighty has done great things to me.
    His name is holy.
⁵⁰ For those who fear him,
    his mercy lasts throughout every generation.

⁵¹ “He displayed his mighty power.
    He scattered those who think too highly of themselves.
⁵² He pulled strong rulers from their thrones.
    He honored humble people.
⁵³ He fed hungry people with good food.
    He sent rich people away with nothing.

⁵⁴ “He remembered to help his servant Israel forever.
⁵⁵ This is the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his descendants.”