73-74 With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abrahamhe promised to rescue us from our enemiesand allow us to serve him without fear,
75 so that we might be holy and righteous before himall the days of our life.
76 “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God.You will go ahead of the Lordto prepare his road for him,
77 to tell his people that they will be savedby having their sins forgiven.
78 Our God is merciful and tender.He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us
79 and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death,to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
80 The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel.