"Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all who are left of my people. I have cared for you from the time you were born.

I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.

Listen to me, distant nations, you people who live far away! Before I was born, the LORD chose me and appointed me to be his servant.

The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him.

Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.

"Do not hold on to me," Jesus told her, "because I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am returning to him who is my Father and their Father, my God and their God."

"I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations."

But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided