In the gospels, the story of Jesus’ birth is preceded by the prediction of the birth of “John the Baptist”. John’s father, Zechariah, was a priest at the temple in Jerusalem. One day, while he was burning incense to God, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13). This was surprising news to Zechariah and so he asks, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (verse 18). That is a logical question, right? I mean, he is asking for a sign so that he can believe something that seems quite unbelievable. Who would fault him for that? ...
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