The Life of Jesus

He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble.

He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.

As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

And Mary abode with her about three months. And she returned to her own house.

Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come: and she brought forth a son.

And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her: and they congratulated with her.

And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him by his father's name Zachary.

And his mother answering, said: Not so. But he shall be called John.

And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered.

And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed: and he spoke, blessing God.

And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea.

And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost. And he prophesied, saying:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.

And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant.

As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning.

Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us.

To perform mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy testament.

The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us.

That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear:

In holiness and justice before him, all our days.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways: