Luke 1:13-15

One of the head angels, Gabriel, was sent to Zachariah while he was in the sanctuary of the Temple burning incense to tell him he was going to have a son. Zechariah and Elizabeth were past child bearing years. So that’s why Zechariah questioned him in verse 18.

Gabriel said they would have great JOY & gladness. This shows us that these are 2 different things. Joy is from the LORD, the gladness is based on the circumstance of having a son. He also said many will rejoice at his birth, that’s special too.

John was filled with the Holy Spirit in his mom’s womb. Elizabeth, his mom, was Mary’s cousin. (Jesus’s mom - which is how He and John the Baptist were cousins.)

Don’t get upset if you aren’t “happy” all the time. Find the JOY of the LORD in you & rejoice in Him. That can push you through the difficulties.