Study Desk

And it came to pass, after the days of his office were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

And after those days, Elizabeth his wife conceived and hid herself five months, saying:

Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.

Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus.

He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever.

And of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name.

And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.

He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.

As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her: and they congratulated with her.

And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him by his father’s name Zachary.

And his mother answering, said: Not so. But he shall be called John.

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered.

And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed: and he spoke, blessing God.

And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost. And he prophesied, saying:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.