Luke 1

Luke states his careful purpose to Theophilus, then tells of two miraculous announcements: the angel Gabriel tells the aged priest Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will bear John, and tells the virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God. Mary visits Elizabeth and pours out her Magnificat, praising the God who “has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.” At John’s birth, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed and he prophesies in the Benedictus of the coming salvation and of his son who will prepare the Lord’s way.