8. One day Zechariah's group of priests were on duty, and he was serving God as a priest.
9. According to the custom of the priests, he had been chosen to go into the Lord's temple that day and to burn incense,
10. while the people stood outside praying.
11. All at once an angel from the Lord appeared to Zechariah at the right side of the altar.
12. Zechariah was confused and afraid when he saw the angel.
13. But the angel told him:Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John.
14. His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad.
15. Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born.