Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said…

…God blesses you who weep now,

for in due time you will laugh.

Luke 6:20-21

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness,

a light will shine.

For you will break the yoke of their slavery

and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders

You will break the oppressor’s rod…

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us…

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6

…Jesus himself sent them out from east to west

with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation

that gives eternal life…

Mark 16:8

“Are you the Messiah,

the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I AM.”

And you will see the Son of Man

seated in the place of power at God’s right hand

and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 14:62

They refused to obey

and did not remember the miracles 

you had done for them…

…But you are a God of forgiveness,

gracious and merciful

slow to become angry,

and rich in unfailing love.

You did not abandon them

Nehemiah 9:17

O LORD, what a variety of things you have made!

In wisdom you have made them all.

The earth is full of your creatures.

Here is the ocean, vast and wide,

teeming with life of every kind,

both large and small.

Psalm 104:24-25