The answer is: Gabriel

Luke 1:18-19

In the story of Zacharias, we witness a divine encounter facilitated by none other than the angel Gabriel. This is fascinating because Gabriel is one of only two angels in the Bible explicitly named – the other being Michael. In both Jewish tradition and Christian theology, Gabriel is often seen as a messenger of God, tasked with delivering news of monumental significance.

In Luke's gospel, Gabriel appears not just to Zacharias, but he tells Mary about the birth of Jesus later on in the same chapter, making him a pivotal character in heralding the arrival of the Messiah. Speaking of angel encounters, did you know that angels frequently scanned the earth on missions directed by God? In the Old Testament, there are numerous cases of angelic visits: think of when an angel trudged through flaming sword-wielding chaps in the garden of Eden or guided Lot out of Sodom!

The reliability of Gabriel's message to Zacharias is of enough note because may seem almost premature with Zacharias’s skepticism. The silence he endures on being muted solidifies the weight of God's assurance about His plans. The intersection of human doubt and divine promise is a recurring theme underscored through the scriptures—and it makes the moments of 'promise fulfilled' stunning when they finally arrive. Fascination for storytelling is at the core of Luke's narratives, inviting smiles and sighs alike as we meanwhile delve deeper into the divine human experience etched in history.