If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

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.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.