[1:67] John's father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God's message:
[1:68] “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.
[1:69] He has provided for us a mighty Savior, a descendant of his servant David.
[1:70] He promised through his holy prophets long ago
[1:71] that he would save us from our enemies, from the power of all those who hate us.
[1:72] He said he would show mercy to our ancestors and remember his sacred covenant. he promised to rescue us from our enemies and allow us to serve him without fear,
[1:75] so that we might be holy and righteous before him all the days of our life.
[1:76] “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him,
[1:77] to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.
[1:78] Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us
[1:79] and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
[1:80] The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel.