Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the days of King Herod of Judah, there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was from the line of Aaron and was known for her faithfulness to God's commands and ordinances.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were both righteous people, but they had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they were well advanced in years. While performing his priestly duties before God, Zechariah's lot fell to burn incense when he entered the temple of the Lord.

The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the time of incense. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah on the right side of the altar of incense. When Zacharias saw him, he was deeply troubled and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son whom you are to name John."

You will have joy and gladness, and many people will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he won't drink wine or strong drink. Instead, he'll be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I'm an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." The angel replied, "I stand before God and have been sent to speak with you and bring you these joyful tidings. You'll be unable to speak until these events take place because you haven't believed my words."

Zechariah returned home, still unable to speak. Elizabeth conceived a son and hid herself for five months, saying, "The Lord has done this for me, removing my shame among people." The angel Gabriel was sent from God to the city of Nazareth in Galilee to a young woman engaged to be married to Joseph, who belonged to the house of David.

Mary, the mother-to-be, received an unexpected visit from the angel Gabriel. "Greetings, you highly favored one!" he said. "The Lord is with you, and you will be blessed among women." Mary was troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this could be. The angel reassured her, saying, "Don't be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son who will be great and called the Son of the Most High."

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he'll reign over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom having no end. When Mary asked how this would happen since she hadn't been with a man, the angel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. The child to be born would be called Son of God.

Mary said, "Behold, I am your servant; may it be to me as you have said." With that, the angel departed from her. Mary quickly got up and headed for the hill country in Judah, where she arrived at Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped with joy.

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed loudly, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why should I be honored to have the mother of my Lord come to me?" As soon as she heard Mary's greeting, the child within her leaped with joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of what was spoken by the Lord.

Mary began to sing a hymn of praise: "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; from now on all generations will call me blessed."

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who reverently fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in their arrogant thoughts.

He brought down rulers from their thrones and exalted those of humble birth. He filled the hungry with good things, but sent away the rich empty-handed. He helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, just as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.

After spending about three months with Elizabeth, Mary returned home. When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a son, whom they named Zacharias, after his father. However, Elizabeth's mother replied, "Not so; we will name him John." They asked Zechariah how he wanted the child to be named.

Zechariah requested a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John," which amazed everyone who saw this happen. Immediately, Zechariah's mouth was opened, and he began praising God. Fear gripped everyone nearby as news of these events spread throughout the hill country of Judah.

All who heard about them treasured up these words in their hearts, wondering what kind of child this would be. The hand of the Lord was with him, and his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit. He prophesied, saying:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. He raised up an instrument of salvation in the house of David, as spoken through the mouth of his holy prophets since the world began.

We should be saved from our enemies and those who hate us to fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers and remember his holy covenant with Abraham. God swore an oath to him that he would grant them freedom from their enemies so they might serve him without fear, walking in holiness and righteousness all the days of their lives.

You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; you'll go before the face of the Lord to prepare his way. You'll give knowledge of salvation to his people through the forgiveness of their sins by the tender mercy of our God. He's brought light from on high to guide those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, guiding them into the way of peace.

The child grew up strong in spirit, living in the wilderness until he was revealed to Israel.