The Benedictus

The Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!

He Blessed has visited his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior in the house of David his servant,

as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old.

A savior who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us.

So his love for our fathers is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered.

He swore to Abraham our father to grant us, that free from fear,

and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve him in holiness and justice

all the days of our life in his presence.

As for you, little child, you shall be called a prophet of God, the Most High.

You shall go ahead of the Lord to prepare his way before him.

To make known to his people their salvation through forgiveness of all their sins,

the loving-kindness of the heart of our God who visits us like the dawn from on high.

He will give light to those in darkness, those who dwell in the shadow of death,

and guide us into the way of peace.