³ A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
    the way^(A) for the Lord^[a];
make straight^(B) in the desert
    a highway for our God.^[b](C)
4 Every valley shall be raised up,^(D)
    every mountain and hill^(E) made low;
the rough ground shall become level,^(F)
    the rugged places a plain.

“My soul glorifies the Lord^(B)
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,^(C)
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.^(D)
From now on all generations will call me blessed,^(E)
49     for the Mighty One has done great things^(F) for me—
    holy is his name.^(G)
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.^(H)
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;^(I)
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.^(J)
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.^(K)
53 He has filled the hungry with good things^(L)
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful^(M)
55 to Abraham and his descendants^(N) forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”