Luke 1

This is actually the longest chapter in Luke, so if you can hang with me here, you'll be all set. But in Luke 1, let's start off with Zechariah--a priest. Do you remember the discussions we had about the who the priests were in Jesus' time? Most of them Saduccees, and many of those (at least the chief priests and the high priest) were corrupt. So Luke makes sure to point out not only that Zechariah was a priest, but also that he and his wife were "upright in the sight of the God." Anyway, Zechariah was chosen to be the one to offer incense inside the Temple. There were 24 courses (groups) of a thousand priests each serving twice a year for one week each time. To offer incence in the Temple was something that a priest could never be chosen to do his whole life--I think Luke wants us to realize that God is doing something amazing here, and He is "loading the dice" in preparation for it.
Next, when Zechariah is in the Temple, an angel appears before him and, among other things, quotes Malachi. Twice. It is interesting to note that chronologically speaking, this is the first Biblically recorded communication between God and His people since the days of the Old Testament. What was the previous recorded communication? Malachi! So the very last thing God talks about in the Old Testament is the very first thing He brings up in the New Testament!
Well, Gabriel's next assignment is to deliver some shocking news to a girl (think high school freshman) named Mary (Miriam). She (like Zechariah) has some pretty severe concerns, but unlike Zechariah, apparently her heart condition is a little more receptive to God's will (v.38).
Take another moment to read "Mary's Song" in verses 46-55.
The next passage is also pretty cool. Remember, Zechariah still can't talk, but apparently people thought he couldn't hear either (see vs. 62)! Then Zechariah gives the name and begins to speak, and God has caught His people's attention (vs. 65-66).