Luke 1:26-56

26Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee.

27The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary.

28When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, “You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you.”

29She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant.

30The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor  with God.

31You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus.

32He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.

33Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

34Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.”

35The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God.

36“Elizabeth, your relative, is six months pregnant with a son in her old age. People said she couldn’t have a child.

37But nothing is impossible for God.”

38Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.” Then the angel left her.

39Soon afterward, Mary hurried to a city in the mountain region of Judah.

40She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

41When Elizabeth heard the greeting, she felt the baby kick. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42She said in a loud voice, “You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child that you will have.

43I feel blessed that the mother of my Lord is visiting me.

44As soon as I heard your greeting, I felt the baby jump for joy.

45You are blessed for believing that the Lord would keep his promise to you.”

46Mary said, “My soul praises the Lord’s greatness!

47My spirit finds its joy in God, my Savior,

48because he has looked favorably on me, his humble servant. “From now on, all people will call me blessed

49because the Almighty has done great things to me. His name is holy.

50For those who fear him, his mercy lasts throughout every generation.

51“He displayed his mighty power. He scattered those who think too highly of themselves.

52He pulled strong rulers from their thrones. He honored humble people.

53He fed hungry people with good food. He sent rich people away with nothing.

54“He remembered to help his servant Israel forever.

55This is the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants.”

56Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.