The last prophetical voice of the OT left us with a promise of a forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Mal 3:1, 4:5-6). 490 silent years left us waiting, until that silence was broken with an angelic visitation and the promise fulfilled. Luke opens with a flurry of angelic visitations and announcements concerning the arrival of the forerunner and the messiah Himself.