62. Then they made signs to his father to find out what he would like to name him.
63. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John,” and everyone was surprised.
64. Immediately Zechariah could talk again, and he began praising God.
65. All their neighbors became alarmed, and in all the mountains of Judea people continued talking about all these things.
66. The people who heard about them wondered, saying, “What will this child be?” because the Lord was with him.
67. Then Zechariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68. “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel,because he has come to help his people and has given them freedom.
69. He has given us a powerful Saviorfrom the family of God’s servant David.
70. He said that he would do thisthrough his holy prophets who lived long ago:
71. He promised he would save us from our enemiesand from the power of all those who hate us.
72. He said he would give mercy to our ancestorsand that he would remember his holy promise.
73. God promised Abraham, our father,
74. that he would save us from the power of our enemiesso we could serve him without fear,
75. being holy and good before God as long as we live.
76. “Now you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God.You will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
77. You will make his people know that they will be savedby having their sins forgiven.
78. With the loving mercy of our God,a new day from heaven will dawn upon us.
79. It will shine on those who live in darkness,in the shadow of death.It will guide us into the path of peace.”