51. He has demonstrated power with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance of their hearts.
52. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;
53. he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.
54. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,
55. as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56. So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.
57. Now the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.
58. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father.
60. But his mother replied, “No! He must be named John.”
61. They said to her, “But none of your relatives bears this name.”
62. So they made signs to the baby’s father, inquiring what he wanted to name his son.
63. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.
64. Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue released, and he spoke, blessing God.
65. All their neighbors were filled with fear, and throughout the entire hill country of Judea all these things were talked about.
66. All who heard these things kept them in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the Lord’s hand was indeed with him.