63. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed.
64. Straight away Zechariah started speaking and praising God.
65. All the neighbours were frightened because of what had happened, and everywhere in the hill country people kept talking about these things.
66. Everyone who heard about this wondered what this child would grow up to be. They knew that the Lord was with him.
67. The Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah, and he began to speak:
68. Praise the Lord,the God of Israel!He has cometo save his people.
69. Our God has given usa mighty Saviourfrom the familyof David his servant.
70. Long ago the Lord promisedby the wordsof his holy prophets
71. to save us from our enemiesand from everyonewho hates us.
72. God said he would be kindto our people and keephis sacred promise.
73. He told our ancestor Abraham
74. that he would rescue usfrom our enemies.Then we could serve himwithout fear,
75. by being holy and goodas long as we live.
76. You, my son, will be calleda prophet of Godin heaven above.You will go ahead of the Lordto get everything readyfor him.