18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I know this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years."

19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

20 But because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the proper time, you will become silent and unable to speak until the day this happens."