Luke:1:11-20

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* Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense ; * and Zechariah on seeing him was agitated and terrified . * But the angel said to him , »Do not be afraid , Zechariah , for your petition has been heard : and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son , and you are to call his name John . * Gladness and exultant joy shall be yours , and many will rejoice over his birth . * For he will be great in the sight of the Lord ; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink ; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth . * Many of the descendants of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God ; * and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah , to turn fathers ' hearts to the children , and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright , to make a people perfectly ready for the lord .« * »By what proof ,« asked Zechariah , »shall I know this ? For I am an old man , and my wife is far advanced in years .« * »I am Gabriel , who stand in the presence of God ,« answered the angel , »and I have been sent to talk with you and tell you this good news . * And now you will be dumb and unable to speak until the day when this has taken place ; because you did not believe my words –words which will be fulfilled at their appointed time .«

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