Luke 1:5-20

5When Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division of priests named after Abijah. Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.

6Zechariah and Elizabeth had God’s approval. They followed all the Lord’s commands and regulations perfectly.

7Yet, they never had any children because Elizabeth couldn’t become pregnant. Both of them were too old to have children.

8Zechariah was on duty with his division of priests. As he served in God’s presence,

9he was chosen by priestly custom to go into the Lord’s temple to burn incense.

10All the people were praying outside while he was burning incense.

11Then, to the right of the incense altar, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.

12Zechariah was troubled and overcome with fear.

13The angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you will name him John.

14He will be your pride and joy, and many people will be glad that he was born.

15As far as the Lord is concerned, he will be a great man. He will never drink wine or any other liquor. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.

16He will bring many people in Israel back to the Lord their God.

17He will go ahead of the Lord with the spirit and power that Elijah had. He will change parents’ attitudes toward their children. He will change disobedient people so that they will accept the wisdom of those who have God’s approval. In this way he will prepare the people for their Lord.”

18Zechariah said to the angel, “What proof is there for this? I’m an old man, and my wife is beyond her childbearing years.”

19The angel answered him, “I’m Gabriel! I stand in God’s presence. God sent me to tell you this good news.

20But because you didn’t believe what I said, you will be unable to talk until the day this happens. Everything will come true at the right time.”