51. God’s arm is strong.He scatters the people who are proudand think great things about themselves.
52. God brings down rulers from their thrones,and he raises up the humble.
53. God fills the hungry with good things,but he sends the rich away with nothing.
54. God has helped his people Israel who serve him.He gave them his mercy.
55. God has done what he promised to our ancestors,to Abraham and to his children forever.”
56. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
57. When it was time for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a boy.
58. Her neighbors and relatives heard how good the Lord was to her, and they rejoiced.
59. When the baby was eight days old, they came to circumcise him. They wanted to name him Zechariah because this was his father’s name.
60. But his mother said, “No! He will be named John.”
61. The people said to Elizabeth, “But no one in your family has this name!”
62. Then they made signs to his father, “What would you like to name him?”
63. Zechariah asked for something to write on. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was surprised.