63. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” How surprised they all were!
64. At that moment Zechariah was able to speak again, and he started praising God.
65. The neighbours were all filled with fear, and the news about these things spread through all the hill country of Judea.
66. Everyone who heard of it thought about it and asked, “What is this child going to be?” For it was plain that the Lord's power was upon him.
67. John's father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God's message:
68. “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel!He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.
69. He has provided for us a mighty Saviour,a descendant of his servant David.
70. He promised through his holy prophets long ago
71. that he would save us from our enemies,from the power of all those who hate us.
72. He said he would show mercy to our ancestorsand remember his sacred covenant.
73-74. With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abrahamhe promised to rescue us from our enemiesand allow us to serve him without fear,
75. so that we might be holy and righteous before himall the days of our life.
76. “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God.You will go ahead of the Lordto prepare his road for him,
77. to tell his people that they will be savedby having their sins forgiven.
78. Our God is merciful and tender.He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us
79. and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death,to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
80. The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel.