58
When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
59
So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.
60
His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John."
61
But they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."
62
So they made signs to his father--what he would have him called.
63
And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled.
64
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.
65
Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66
And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.
67
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,