Study Desk

And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.

And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, "His name is John." And they were all amazed.

And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began speaking in praise of God.

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying:

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David—

Just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient times—

To show mercy to our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant,

"And you, child, also will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;

To give His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins,

Now the child grew and was becoming strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city.

And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.

And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed—

And when His parents had completed everything in accordance with the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it.

And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.