Luke 1:67–80

Zechariah’s Prophecy

67 John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God’s message:

68 “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel!

He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.

69 He has provided for us a mighty Saviour,

a descendant of his servant David.

70 He promised through his holy prophets long ago

71 that he would save us from our enemies,

from the power of all those who hate us.

72 He said he would show mercy to our ancestors

and remember his sacred covenant.

73–74 With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham

he promised to rescue us from our enemies

and allow us to serve him without fear,

75 so that we might be holy and righteous before him

all the days of our life.

76* “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God.

You will go ahead of the Lord

to prepare his road for him,

77 to tell his people that they will be saved

by having their sins forgiven.

78 Our God is merciful and tender.

He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us

79* and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death,

to guide our steps into the path of peace.” 80The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel.