⁷ Yet they had this sadness. Due to Elizabeth’s infertility, they were childless, and at this time, they were both quite old—well past normal childbearing years.

⁸ One day Zacharias was chosen to perform his priestly duties in God’s presence, according to the temple’s normal schedule and routine. ⁹ He had been selected from all the priests by the customary procedure of casting lots for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the sacred precincts of the temple. There he burned sweet incense,