7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old.
8 One day Zechariah was serving as a priest before God because his priestly division was on duty.
9 Following the customs of priestly service, he was chosen by lottery to go into the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense.
10 All the people who gathered to worship were praying outside during this hour of incense offering.
11 An angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and overcome with fear.
13 The angel said, "Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to your son and you must name him John.