50. For those who fear him,his mercy lasts throughout every generation.
51. “He displayed his mighty power.He scattered those who think too highly of themselves.
52. He pulled strong rulers from their thrones.He honored humble people.
53. He fed hungry people with good food.He sent rich people away with nothing.
54. “He remembered to help his servant Israel forever.
55. This is the promise he made to our ancestors,to Abraham and his descendants.”
56. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.
57. When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.
58. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very kind to her, and they shared her joy.
59. When the child was eight days old, they went ⌊to the temple⌋ to circumcise him. They were going to name him Zechariah after his father.
60. But his mother spoke up, “Absolutely not! His name will be John.”
61. Their friends said to her, “But you don’t have any relatives with that name.”
62. So they motioned to the baby’s father to see what he wanted to name the child.
63. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed.
64. Suddenly, Zechariah was able to speak, and he began to praise God.
65. All their neighbors were filled with awe. Throughout the mountain region of Judea, people talked about everything that had happened.