Study Desk

I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me.

God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy.

Then Zechariah could talk again, and he began praising God.

Then Zechariah, John's father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the people a message from God:

"Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom.

God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement.

"Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him.

"With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us.

Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying,

"Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him."

The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It was just as the angel had told them.

A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him.

Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept.

before he died and left her alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the Temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night.

Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.

The little boy Jesus was developing into a mature young man, full of wisdom. God was blessing him.

As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.

Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. During this time, John, the son of Zechariah, was living in the desert, and he received a message from God.

Then everyone will see how God will save his people!'"