Before the foundations of this world were made

God chose you to become in Christ

His holy and blameless child

Living in His tender loving care

This is the new covenant I make with you today says the LORD: 

I will put my laws in your mind and I will write them on your heart

I will be your God, and you will be one of my people. 

And you will know me. 

I will forgive all your wickedness

I will never again remember your sins

So the Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon you

To comfort your broken heart

To proclaim freedom and release

Even in your mourning you will know that the time of the LORD’s favour has come

And with it the day of God’s anger against your enemies

He will give a crown of beauty for the ashes of your past

A joyous blessing instead of mourning

Festive praise instead of despair

Instead of shame and dishonour you will enjoy a double share of honour

And everlasting joy will be yours

For the LORD loves justice

He hates robbery and wrongdoing

He will faithfully reward you for your suffering 

Everyone will realise that you are a person the LORD has blessed

For God has dressed you with the clothing of salvation 

And draped you in His robe of righteousness

Your salvation will come like the dawn

And your wounds will quickly heal

Godliness will lead you forward

And the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind

Ephesians 1:4-5; Hebrews 8:10-12; Isaiah 61:1-3, 7-10; 58:8