Zechariah's Story

A faithful Judean couple,

side by side, growing old,

had served the Lord for many long years,

without a baby to hold.

Zechariah entered the temple,

where he steadfastly served the Lord.

While burning incense at the altar,

a holy voice he heard.

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah,”

spoke the Angel of God.

“Your prayer has been heard,

your wife will conceive,

and you will name the boy John.

“He will bring joy to many,

filled with God’s spirit before even born.

He’ll turn the people’s hearts toward God

and prepare the way of the Lord.”

Zechariah asked, “How can I be sure?

My wife and I have grown old.”

The angel answered, “Since you don’t believe,

your voice shall not utter a word.”

Zechariah rushed out of the temple

to those awaiting his return.

He gestured with trembling hands

that he’d seen an Angel of the Lord.

Zechariah returned home in silence;

his wife Elizabeth became with child.

Her heart was filled with gratefulness

for on her barrenness God had smiled.

Time swiftly passed, the months flew by,

and Elizabeth’s labor began.

“His name will be John,” the couple declared,

and Zechariah could speak once again.

John grew and matured in spirit

and just like the angel’s words,

he urged the people to turn to God

and prepare the way of the Lord.