Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people. … Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. … To comfort all who mourn. … I, even I, am he who comforts you. … As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. … (Jesus said) to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Mt 5:4; Is 49:13, Is 40:1, Is 61:2, Is 51:12, Is 66:13; Is 61:1-3, Lu 4:21; 2Co 1:3-4; Je 31:13

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.