The first angel surrounding the events of the nativity paid a surprise visit to a priest. 

The priest, Zechariah, was chosen by lot to enter the temple to burn incense – a once-in-a-lifetime responsibility/honor for a priest. He and his wife, Elizabeth, both described as “righteous before God” (Luke 1:6), had no children – and because of their age, had resigned themselves to remaining childless.

While he was serving in the temple, something extraordinary happened:

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John...”  

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (Luke 1:11-13, 18-20)

This is what we learn about the angel that visited Zechariah:

• The angel’s appearance brought fear upon the priest.
• The angel calmed the priest’s fears by gently saying, “Do not be afraid…”
• This angel has a name: Gabriel, meaning “strong man of God.”
• This angel is a messenger bringing good news.
• This angel is not happy that the priest didn’t believe his words.
• This angel responded by taking away the priest’s ability to speak until the promise was fulfilled.

Some things to think about: 

• What kind of good news message might you like to hear from an angel? 
• After recovering from the shock of seeing an angel, would you believe what you were hearing?
• Who would be the first person you’d tell?
• Even though you and I are not angels and never will be, we still have good news to share. Are you sharing it? 

By Judy Shrout