67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!He has taken care of his people and has set them free.

69 He has raised up a mighty Savior for usfrom the family of his servant David,

70 just as he promised long ago through the mouth of his holy prophets

71 that he would save us from our enemiesand from the grip of all who hate us.

72 He has shown mercy to our ancestorsand remembered his holy covenant,

73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham. He granted us

74 deliverance from our enemies' gripso that we could serve him without fear

75 and be holy and righteous before him all of our days.

76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. For you will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his ways

77 and to give his people the knowledge of salvationthrough the forgiveness of their sins.

78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,the dawn from on high has broken upon us,

79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and in death's shadow,and to guide our feet into the way of peace."