Scripture — Luke 1:20; 63–64 (NIV)20 “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.Reflection...

Scripture — Luke 1:18–20 (NIV)18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, w...

Scripture — Luke 1:11–13 (NIV)11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”ReflectionFear can rise even in the holiest p...