What was the name of the angel who visited Zacharias?

In the Gospel of Luke, the visit of Gabriel to Zacharias (also spelled Zechariah) is one of those pivotal moments in biblical history that bridges the Old and New Testaments. Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength," is one of only two angels specifically named in the Bible—after Michael, the protector of Israel. The sheer importance of Gabriel's role can't be overstated, as he doesn't just bring any old message. He comes to announce the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner for Jesus.

Isn't it fascinating to consider that Gabriel appears at this moment of significant suspense? Zacharias, a priest, is old and has lost hope for a child—much like Abraham and Sarah centuries before. In both instances, God intervenes to underscore that it's never too late for something amazing to happen. And just as God heard Abraham's sighs, He evidently channels that promise again through Gabriel, reminding us of His unwavering faithfulness.

In addition to this angel's notable visits, Gabriel is recorded to have appeared to Daniel in the Old Testament, revealing secrets about the future. So, it fits like a puzzle piece: the same angel charges through the centuries, bridging God's message from the past to the dawning new hope with John and, later, Jesus. Repeated patterns like this remind us that divine communication truly is timeless.