Bible Society of South Africa

Advent: Third Sunday of Advent

First reading

The Good News of Deliverance

1The Sovereign LORD has filled me with his Spirit.

He has chosen me and sent me

To bring good news to the poor,

To heal the broken-hearted,

To announce release to captives

And freedom to those in prison.

2He has sent me to proclaim

That the time has come

When the LORD will save his people

And defeat their enemies.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,

3To give to those who mourn in Zion

Joy and gladness instead of grief,

A song of praise instead of sorrow.

They will be like trees

That the LORD himself has planted.

They will all do what is right,

And God will be praised for what he has done.

4They will rebuild cities that have long been in ruins.

Isaiah 61:1-4GNBOpen in Bible reader

8The LORD says,

“I love justice and I hate oppression and crime.

I will faithfully reward my people

And make an eternal covenant with them.

9They will be famous among the nations;

Everyone who sees them will know

That they are a people whom I have blessed.”

10Jerusalem rejoices because of what the LORD has done.

She is like a bride dressed for her wedding.

God has clothed her with salvation and victory.

11As surely as seeds sprout and grow,

The Sovereign LORD will save his people,

And all the nations will praise him.

Isaiah 61:8-11GNBOpen in Bible reader
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