Luke 1:67-80

67Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

68“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people.

69He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David,

70just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.

71Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.

72He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant—

73the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.

74We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear,

75in 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.

77You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.

78Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,

79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

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