62. So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him.
63. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”
64. Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
65. Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.
66. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.
67. Then 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.
69. He has sent us a mighty Saviorfrom the royal line of his servant David,
70. just as he promisedthrough his holy prophets long ago.
71. Now we will be saved from our enemiesand from all who hate us.
72. He has been merciful to our ancestorsby remembering his sacred covenant—
73. the covenant he swore with an oathto our ancestor Abraham.
74. We have been rescued from our enemiesso we can serve God without fear,
75. in holiness and righteousnessfor 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.
77. You will tell his people how to find salvationthrough forgiveness of their sins.