20 Dec 2020 Sunday Morning Service
Bible
Isaiah 9:1-7
Luke 1:39-56
Isaiah
9:1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan–
9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
9:3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
9:4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
9:5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Luke
1:39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
1:40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.
1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
1:42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
1:43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
1:44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
1:46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
1:48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me–holy is his name.
1:50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
1:51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
1:53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
1:55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.