Wednesday of the 4th week of Advent

24When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah of meal, and a container of wine, and brought him to the LORD’s house in Shiloh. The child was young. 25They killed the bull, and brought the child to Eli. 26She said, “Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. 27I prayed for this child, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him. 28Therefore I have also given him to the LORD. As long as he lives he is given to the LORD.” He worshiped the LORD there.

1Hannah prayed, and said,

“My heart exults in the LORD!

My horn is exalted in the LORD.

My mouth is enlarged over my enemies,

because I rejoice in your salvation.

…

4“The bows of the mighty men are broken.

Those who stumbled are armed with strength.

5Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread.

Those who were hungry are satisfied.

Yes, the barren has borne seven.

She who has many children languishes.

6“The LORD kills and makes alive.

He brings down to Sheol and brings up.

7The LORD makes poor and makes rich.

He brings low, he also lifts up.

8He raises up the poor out of the dust.

He lifts up the needy from the dunghill

to make them sit with princes

and inherit the throne of glory.

For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s.

He has set the world on them.

46Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord.

47My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

48for he has looked at the humble state of his servant.

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

49For he who is mighty has done great things for me.

Holy is his name.

50His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.

51He has shown strength with his arm.

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

52He has put down princes from their thrones,

and has exalted the lowly.

53He has filled the hungry with good things.

He has sent the rich away empty.

54He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,

55as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and his offspring forever.”

56Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.