jothelibrarian:  Pretty medieval manuscript of the day shows the archangel Gabriel appearing to Zachary. I can't help but smile as I look at it… Zachary looks like he's had an almighty shock, and let's face it - Gabriel does look a mite terrifying! Image source: Tres Riches Heures. Image declared as public domain on Wikimedia Commons.  Do not be afraid Zachary for your petition been heard. You wife Elizabeth shall bear a son, and you shall call his name John. You shall have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth . For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine or strong drink. He shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. He shall bring back to God many of the children of Israel. He shall himself go before the Lord in the desert, and, in the power of Elijah, turn the house of father's to their children and the unbelieving to the wisdom of the just to prepare for the Lord a perfect people.
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