GOSPEL OF LUKE, CHAPTER 1
giving a loud cry, said, "You are most
26. In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was
sent from God to a town of Galilee called
Nazareth. He was sent
27. to a young virgin who was betrothed to a
man named Joseph, of the family of David; and
the virgin's name was Mary.
28. The angel came to her and said, "Rejoice,
full of grace, the Lord is with you."
29. Mary was troubled at these words,
wondering what this greeting could mean.
30. But the angel said, "Do not fear, Mary, for
God has looked kindly on you.
31. You shall conceive and bear a son and you
shall call him Jesus.
32. He will be great and shall rightly be called
Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give
him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will
rule over the people of Jacob for-ever
33. and his reign shall have no end."
34. Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this
be if I am a virgin?"
35. And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit
will come upon you and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy
child to be born shall be called Son of God.
36. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a
son in her old age, although she was unable to
have a child, and she is now in her sixth month.
37. With God nothing is impossible.
38. "Then Mary said, "I am the handmaid of
the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said."
And the angel left her.
39. Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of
Judah.
40. She entered the house of Zechariah and
greeted Elizabeth.
41. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the
baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled
with holy spirit, and
42.
blessed among women and blessed is the fruit
of your womb!
43. How is it that the mother of my Lord
comes to me?
44. The moment your greeting sounded in my
ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy.
45. Blessed are you who believed that the
Lord's word would come true!"
46. And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the
greatness of the Lord,
47. my spirit exults in God my savior!
48. He has looked upon his servant in her
lowliness, and people forever will call me
blessed.
49. The Mighty One has done great things for
me, Holy is his Name!
50. From age to age his mercy extends to those
who live in his presence.
51. He has acted with power and done
wonders, and scattered the proud with their
plans.
52. He has put down the mighty from their
thrones and lifted up those who are
downtrodden.
53. He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54. He held out his hand to Israel, his servant,
for he remembered his mercy,
55. even as he promised our fathers, Abraham
and his descendants forever."
56. Mary remained with Elizabeth about three
months and then returned home.