17. He 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.”
18. Zechariah said to the angel, “What proof is there for this? I’m an old man, and my wife is beyond her childbearing years.”
19. The angel answered him, “I’m Gabriel! I stand in God’s presence. God sent me to tell you this good news.
20. But 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.”
21. Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah. They were amazed that he was staying in the temple so long.
22. When he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. So they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. He motioned to them but remained unable to talk.
23. When the days of his service were over, he went home.
24. Later, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and didn’t go out in public for five months. She said,
25. “The Lord has done this for me now. He has removed my public disgrace.”
26. Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee.
27. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28. When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, “You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you.”
29. She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant.
30. The angel told her,“Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God.