15For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother`s womb.
16He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God.
17He will go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, `to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,` and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.
20Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn`t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."
21The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled while he delayed in the temple.
