How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us […] (NRSV 1:1)
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us […] (KJV 1:1)
Our advice is that you go with the NRSV translation here. The events that Luke is about to narrate are definitely supposed to be understood as fulfilling the prophecies of Jewish scriptures.
Quote #2
Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too." (NRSV 2:34-35)
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (KJV 2:34-35)
Plenty of people foretell the significance of both John and Jesus in the opening chapters of Luke. You really should pay attention to what they say if you're tracing the motifs of fate, free will, and prophecy (1:13-17, 30-33, 42-43, 46-55, 67-79; 2:10-14, 36-38). But Simeon gets the prize for being the first to understand the ups and downs that are about to happen.
Quote #3
He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' (NRSV 3:3-6)
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (KJV 3:3-6)
Luke interprets the work of John as the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3-5. Go read Isaiah—watch out, it's a long one—and decide for yourself. Does the argument hold up?