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 astonished.

And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.

And his father Zacharias 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 David His servant—

As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—

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

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

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

And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.

And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

then he took Him into 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 Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—

Now 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, 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.

When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You."