NEVER DOUBT GOD

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Luke 1:5-80

The mother of Jesus and of John, the Baptist, both became pregnant after a visit by the Holy Spirit, or God's Messenger.

The angel Gabriel came to Zechariah when he and his wife, Elizabeth, were old. Gabriel told Zechariah that Elizabeth would have a son, and they should name him John. Zechariah doubted Gabriel because they were so old and Elizabeth could not have children. Since he did not believe, Gabriel silenced Zechariah so that he could not speak.

Then, six months later, the angel Gabriel went to Mary, the wife of Joseph and future mother of Jesus, and told her that she would have a son, and that she would name him Jesus. Mary said, how is this possible? I am a virgin. Gabriel told her that Zechariah's wife Elizabeth is already six months pregnant and she is old. That with God anything is possible.

After the angel left Mary, she went as fast as she could to Zechariah's house to see Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard her coming, the baby inside her leapt with joy. Jesus and John, the Baptizer, in the wombs of their mothers, both impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then returned home.

The day Elizabeth's baby was born, everyone wanted to name him after his father, Zechariah, but Elizabeth said, no, his name is John. The people asked Zechariah what he wanted, and he asked for something to write on and he wrote, "His name is John." And immediately his mouth was opened, and he could speak. 

Zechariah became filled with the Holy Spirit, and he told the people a message from God:

Luke 1

68 “Praise to the Lord God of Israel.
    He has come to help his people
    and has given them freedom.

69 He has given us a powerful Savior
    from the family of his servant David.

​70 This is what he promised
    through his holy prophets long ago.

71 He will save us from our enemies
    and from the power of all those who hate us.

72 God said he would show mercy to our fathers,
    and he remembered his holy agreement.

73 This was the promise he made to our father Abraham,

74     a promise to free us from the power of our enemies,
so that we could serve him without fear

75     in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live.
​
76 “Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God.
    You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him.

77 You will make his people understand that they will be saved
    by having their sins forgiven.
​
78 “With the loving mercy of our God,
    a new day from heaven will shine on us.

79 It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death.
    It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”

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