The Life of Jesus

He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful,

as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.

But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”

They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.”

So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child.

Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.

Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.

All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events.

And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,

as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,

salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,

to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant,

the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us

deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear,

in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,