Luke:1:5-25

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* In the days of Herod , king of Judea , there was a priest named Zacharias , of the course of Abijah ; and his wife , named Elizabeth , was of the daughters of Aaron . * They were both righteous before God , blameless observers of all the Lord 's commandments and ordinances . * And they had no child , because Elizabeth was barren , and they were advanced in years . * Now when he came to officiate as priest in the order of his course , * it fell to him by lot , according to the custom of the priesthood , to offer incense in the sanctuary . * And while the incense was burning , the whole congregation were praying without . * Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord , standing on the right side of the altar of incense . * And Zacharias was discomposed at the sight , and in great terror . * But the angel said to him , Fear not , Zacharias ; for your prayer is heard , and Elizabeth your wife shall bear you a son , whom you shall name John . * He shall be to you matter of joy and transport ; and many shall rejoice because of his birth . * For he shall be great before the Lord ; he shall not drink wine nor any fermented liquor ; but he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit , even from his mother 's womb . * And many of the sons of Israel he shall bring back to the Lord their God . * Moreover , he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah , to reconcile fathers to their children , and by the wisdom of the righteous , to render the disobedient a people well disposed for the Lord . * And Zacharias said to the angel , How shall I know this : for I am old man , and my wife is advanced in years ? * The angel answering , said to him , I am Gabriel , who attend in the presence of God , and am sent to tell you this joyful news . * But know that you shall be dumb , and shall not recover your speech , till the day when these things happen , because you have not believed my words , which shall be fulfilled in due time . * Meanwhile the people waited for Zacharias , and wondered that he staid so long in the sanctuary . * But when he came out , he could not speak to them ; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary ; for he made them understand by signs , and remained speechless . * And when his days of officiating were expired , he returned home . * Soon after , Elizabeth his wife conceived , and lived in retirement five months , and said , * The Lord has done this for me , purposing now to deliver me from the reproach I lay under among men .

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