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An Angelic Announcement that Changed the World

Luke 1:11-13 – “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”

            In the first chapter of Luke there is an angelic announcement.  This announcement is about the birth of a son.  The child’s name would be John.  The angel told Zacharias, the priest, his son would be great in the sight of God.  He would bring joy, gladness, and many would rejoice at his birth.

            The angel Gabriel came to announce a miracle.  Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were up in age.  Elizabeth was barren and most likely had given up hope of having a child. Yet, God had other plans. This child would prepare the way for the promised Messiah and turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 

            The Angel Gabriel’s name means, “Mighty man of God.”  He is called the angel of God’s presence (Luke 1:19).  He was the angel who came to help Daniel understand the visions he was receiving of the future (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). He also announced the promised Messiah (Luke 1:26).  Gabriel is linked to divine announcements and bringing forth revelations, and the interpretation of visions and dreams.

            The angel appeared to this righteous priest while he was carrying out his priestly duties at the Altar of Incense.  Zecharias first reaction was fear.  Luke 1:12 says, “He was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” The angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, for your prayer is heard.”

             Let’s join the conversation between Gabriel and Zacharias in Luke 1:18, “And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.’”  Like many of us Zacharias had his doubts.  God specializes in the impossible.  Gabriel answers, “You will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe
my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

            When Zacharias came out from the Temple into the Outer Court without the ability to speak, the people believed he had perhaps seen a vision because he tried to communicate with gestures. His life and the people of Israel would never be the same again because of the angel’s announcement. 


            In Luke 1:57 Elizabeth gave birth a son.  They named him John, which means “God is gracious, favor.”  This angelic announcement started in the temple and the news was carried throughout all the hill country of Judea (Luke 1:64-65).

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