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Gospel Reading:
The Birth of John the Baptist

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby,
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they shared her joy.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child,
and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,
but his mother spoke up and said,
“No! He is to be called John.”

They said to her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

Then they made signs to his father,
to find out what he would like to name the child.
He asked for a writing tablet,
and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote,
“His name is John.”
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free,
and he began to speak, praising God.
All the neighbors were filled with awe,
and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 
Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking,
“What then is this child going to be?”
For the Lord’s hand was with him.
(Luke 1:57-66).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.
(1 John 4:13 NIV)

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Mary’s Song

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
(Luke 1:46-56).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.
(1 John 4:13 NIV)