76 And you, child, will be called

a prophet of the Most High,f

for you will go before the Lord

to prepare his ways,g

77 to give his people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins.h

78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion,

the dawn from on highi will visit us

79 to shine on those who live in darkness

and the shadow of death,j

to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 The child grew up and became strong in spirit,k and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.