author unknown?

Since deciding to dwell in the story (memorize) rather than just analyzing (manuscript), this is the humble progress I've made.

(with no aid from the book)

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully, to write down an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you might know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

In the days of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who was of the priestly tribe of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

Once, when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen according to lots, as is the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now when the time came for the incense offering, the whole assembly of people was praying outside, and an angel of the Lord appeared at the right side of the alter of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified, and was overwhelmed with fear. But the angel said to him "DO NOT BE AFRAID, for your prayer as been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John..."