68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has visited and redeemed his people.

69 He has sent us a mighty Savior*

from the royal line of his servant David,

70 just as he promised

through his holy prophets long ago.

71 Now we will be saved from our enemies

and from all who hate us.

72 He has been merciful to our ancestors

by remembering his sacred covenant—

73 the covenant he swore with an oath

to our ancestor Abraham.

74 We have been rescued from our enemies

so we can serve God without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness

for as long as we live.

76 “And you, my little son,

will be called the prophet of the Most High,

because you will prepare the way for the Lord.

77 You will tell his people how to find salvation

through forgiveness of their sins.

78 Because of God’s tender mercy,

the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,*

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

and to guide us to the path of peace.”

80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.