Luke 1:39-65

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.

57When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.

58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very kind to her, and they shared her joy.

59When the child was eight days old, they went ⌞to the temple⌟ to circumcise him. They were going to name him Zechariah after his father.

60But his mother spoke up, “Absolutely not! His name will be John.”

61Their friends said to her, “But you don’t have any relatives with that name.”

62So they motioned to the baby’s father to see what he wanted to name the child.

63Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed.

64Suddenly, Zechariah was able to speak, and he began to praise God.

65All their neighbors were filled with awe. Throughout the mountain region of Judea, people talked about everything that had happened.