THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

"Don't be afraid, Zacharias," the angel told him. "God has heard your prayers. He knows how much you want a child. Your wife Elizabeth will give you a son, who you are to name, John. Your son will be filled with the holy spirit. When he grows up he will warn people to repent, and stop sinning. Many will listen to him and change their ways. John is to get the people ready for the coming of the Son of God."

But Zacharias was an old man. His wife, Elizabeth, was old too. He doubted that his wife and he could have a son. Zacharias wondered if God could perform such a miracle. Because his faith was weak, Zacharias asked for a sign. He thought that if he saw some great wonder he would believe.

"I am Gabriel," the angel told him. "I have been with God. God sent me to talk with you and tell you this good news. Because you didn't believe and asked for a sign I will give you what you asked for. This is the sign you shall have. You won't be able to speak a single word until your son is born."

The people outside the temple wondered why Zacharias was taking so long to come out of the temple. When Zacharias finally stepped out of the building they asked him why he had been inside so long. But Zacharias couldn't tell them. All he could do was make signs with his hands. Just like the angel had told him, he couldn't utter a word.

Zacharias went home and some time later his wife was very happy to discover that they were going to have a baby.