Isaiah 61:1-3

New International Reader's Version

61 The Spirit of the Lord and King is on me.
    The Lord has anointed me
    to announce good news to poor people.
He has sent me to comfort
    those whose hearts have been broken.
He has sent me to announce freedom
    for those who have been captured.
He wants me to set prisoners free
    from their dark cells.
² He has sent me to announce the year
    when he will set his people free.
He wants me to announce the day
    when he will pay his enemies back.
Our God has sent me to comfort all those who are sad.
³     He wants me to help those in Zion who are filled with sorrow.
I will put beautiful crowns on their heads
    in place of ashes.
I will anoint them with olive oil to give them joy
    instead of sorrow.
I will give them a spirit of praise
    in place of a spirit of sadness.
They will be like oak trees that are strong and straight.
    The Lord himself will plant them in the land.
    That will show how glorious he is.