There had been no prophetic word from God for almost 400 years, since Malachi prophesied the coming of Elijah to prepare the way for the Messiah. Now the priests were shackled by tradition, the king was a tyrant, and the Romans were in control. Into this dismal picture steps Zechariah, who, with his wife Elizabeth, is described as righteous and blameless. And yet they were also barren, usually a sign of God's curse. What would he voice as he enters the Temple to pray?
Luke 1:5-25, 57-80