Luke 1:61-72

⁶¹“You have no relation of that name!” they exclaimed;

⁶²and they made signs to the child's father, to find out what he wished the child to be called.

⁶³Asking for a writing-tablet, he wrote the words — ‘His name is John.’ Everyone was surprised

⁶⁴and immediately Zechariah recovered his voice and the use of his tongue, and began to bless God.

⁶⁵All their neighbours were awe-struck at this, and throughout the hill-country of Judea the whole story was much talked about.

⁶⁶All who heard it kept it in mind, asking one another — “What can this child be destined to become?” For the Power of the Lord was with him.

⁶⁷Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, speaking under inspiration, said:

⁶⁸“Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, Who has visited his people and wrought their deliverance,

⁶⁹and has raised up for us the Strength of our salvation In the house of his servant David —

⁷⁰As he promised by the lips of his holy prophets of old —

⁷¹salvation from our enemies and from the hands of all who hate us,

⁷²showing mercy to our ancestors, And mindful of his sacred covenant.