Luke 1:5-20

5In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.

7But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

8When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,

9it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.

10At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.

11An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

12When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear.

13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

14There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.

16He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

17And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

18“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

19The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.

20Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”