Advent Readings for December 22nd.

Today, we are invited to think about how Mary’s understanding of God’s plan influences our lives today.

1 Samuel 1:24-28

²⁴ When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, and the child was young. ²⁵ Then they slaughtered the bull and brought the child to Eli. ²⁶ And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence praying to the Lord. ²⁷ For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. ²⁸ Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” And they worshiped the Lord there.

Luke 1:46-56

Mary’s Song of Praise

⁴⁶ And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

⁴⁸ for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.

    Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,

⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

    and holy is his name;

⁵⁰ indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him

    from generation to generation.

⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;

    he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

⁵² He has brought down the powerful from their thrones

    and lifted up the lowly;

⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things

    and sent the rich away empty.

⁵⁴ He has come to the aid of his child Israel,

    in remembrance of his mercy,

⁵⁵ according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.