10 From the beginning of the age your son has borne the name of John, the mercy of the Lord; his name is John. 11 He will be honored in the sight of God, and he will drink no wine, and from his birth he will be filled with Holy Breath. 12 And Gabriel stood before Elizabeth as she was in the silence in her home, and told her all the words that he had said to Zacharias in Jerusalem. 13 When he had done the service of his course, the priest went home, and with Elizabeth rejoiced. 14 Five months passed by and Gabriel came to Mary in her home in Nazareth and said, 15 Hail Mary, hail! Once blessed in the name of God; twice blessed in the name of Holy Breath; thrice blessed in the name of Christ; for you are worthy, and will bear a son who shall be called Immanuel. 16 His name is Jesus, for he saves his people from their sins. 17 When Joseph’s daily task was done he came, and Mary told him all the words that Gabriel spoke to her, and they rejoiced; for they believed that he, the man of God, had spoken words of truth. 18 And Mary went with haste to tell Elizabeth about the promises of Gabriel; together they rejoiced. 19 And in the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth did Mary tarry ninety days; then she returned to Nazareth. 20 To Zacharias and Elizabeth a son was born, and Zacharias said, 21 Most blessed be the name of God, for he has opened up the fount of blessings for his people, Israel. 22 His promises are verified; for he has brought to pass the words which holy prophets spoke in olden times. 23 And Zacharias looked upon the infant John, and said, 24 You will be called the prophet of the Holy One; and you will go before his face, and will prepare his way. 25 And you will give a knowledge of salvation unto Israel; and you will preach the gospel of repentance and the blotting out of sins. 26 Behold, for soon the Day Star from on high will visit us, to light the way for those who sit within the darkness of the shadowland, and guide our feet unto the ways of peace. CHAPTER 3. _Birth of Jesus. Masters honor the child. The shepherds rejoice. Zacharias and Elizabeth visit Mary. Jesus is circumcised._ The time was nearly due for Jesus to be born, and Mary longed to see Elizabeth, and she and Joseph turned their faces toward the Judean hills. 2 And when upon their way they came to Bethlehem the day was done, and they must tarry for the night. 3 But Bethlehem was thronged with people going to Jerusalem; the inns and homes were filled with guests, and Joseph and his wife could find no place to rest but in a cave where animals were kept; and there they slept. 4 At midnight came a cry, A child is born in yonder cave among the beasts. And lo, the promised son of man was born. 5 And strangers took the little one and wrapped him in the dainty robes that Mary had prepared and laid him in a trough from which the beasts of burden fed.