After the birth of a new baby a notice used to be put in the Newspaper or Church Notices. But the birth of 8 children was announced before their birth, 7 of them before their conception and nearly all were named by God. Names are significant to God. Twice God delivered the message in person, (Abraham told about Isaac, King David told about Solomon). Some were announced by prophets. But only 4 were announced by an angel, 2 in the Old Testament and prophets & angels announced the 2 in the New Testament.

1. In Genesis an Angel appeared to Hager, Sarah's servant girl and told her she was with child and that she was to name the baby Ishmael (meaning: God will hear).
2. In Judges – Samson's birth was announced by an Angel and instructions given, but the parents chose the name.
3. In Luke – After prophets foretold it hundreds of years earlier, the birth of John the Baptist was announced to his father by an Angel as he served in the Temple, he was told, to name him “John” (meaning: God is gracious).
4. In Luke – After prophets foretold it hundreds of years earlier, Jesus birth was announced to his Mother, by the Archangel Gabriel, which is what we remember and read about today, and God named him.

Jesus birth, had been foretold and sounded at the gates for hundreds of years in advance, and you will see what I mean about names being important. The name “Jesus” or in Hebrew “Yeshua” (meaning: the Lord is salvation).

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign — a child shall be born to a virgin! And she shall call him Immanuel (meaning, “God is with us”). - Isaiah 7:14

The prophets had been silent for 400 years, then when the time came God quietly sent angels. God keeps his promises, the Holy Spirit now once again speaks through prophets and also still sends angels when we pray.