Gospel

Luke 1:67-80 (NRSV)

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68'Blessed be the Lord
God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69He has raised up a mighty
savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of
old, 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72Thus he has shown
the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73the oath that he swore to
our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him
without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76And you, child, will be called the
prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77to give knowledge of
salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on
high will break upon us, 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our
feet into the way of peace.' 80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until
the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.