One day during the service of Zacharias' division in Jerusalem, the lot fell to him to offer incense in the Holy Place. There the angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that my barrenness would soon end. Zacharias and I would have a son named John. Our son would be special. I know, I know.
Every mother says the same thing.
But not every mother gets her news from Gabriel. He said our son was to be dedicated to God even from my womb. John would turn many of our people back to God. Our son would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, the great prophet. When Zacharias came home after completing his duties at the temple, he couldn't speak a word.