Happy New Year for Elizabeth (Part 4)

Zechariah and Elizabeth name their son John. "His name is John." (Luke 1:63)

The great day had finally arrived.  Elizabeth was as full of happiness and excitement as a child.  Only one thing cast a shadow on her joy.  Even though the promised baby boy had been born eight days ago, Zechariah still could not speak.  The two of them had found ways to communicate the wonder of what had seemed to be an impossible birth.  They thanked and praised God every day for the healthy son He had blessed them with:  Elizabeth in words and Zechariah in gestures. 

But today was a very special day for them.  Today, in accordance with the law passed down by Moses, the longed-for son would be circumcised and given his name.  All their friends and relatives were there for the party, along with a good number of the temple staff.  Food and drink were lavishly provided, and a joyful noise was made by the people celebrating the occasion.

The time came for the ceremony, but there was a problem.  It was Zechariah’s prerogative to give the child a name.  But how was he going to do this?  Elizabeth and Zechariah smiled at each other, as Zechariah made a gesture to indicate that Elizabeth was to announce the chosen name for their son.  “He is to be called John,” she said in a loud voice. 

There was a collective gasp.  How could this be?  Surely this child should be called by a family name!  None of their relatives was named John!  But when they consulted Zechariah, he called for a slate and wrote in large, bold letters: “His name is John!”

John the Baptist's message is to "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." (Matthew 3:3) so that all people will ready themselves for the coming of the Lord. A message for all of us as we prepare for the Birthday of Jesus Christ.

Everyone shook their heads in consternation, but that was nothing to the reaction when Zechariah’s voice, which had been silent for nine months, was heard in a song of praise and prophecy.  He announced that this special child was even more special than they knew.  He was the sign that the coming of the Messiah was imminent.  What’s more, this baby, newly named John, was to be the prophet who would announce his coming. 

Some sat in stunned disbelief, others wondered, but everyone knew that they would never forget this naming celebration.  Little did anyone know how much greater would be the consequences of the birth of another baby just a few months later.