When we were naming our 3 children, my husband and I wanted their names to have meaning. My first born is, Alexandra meaning “defender of man.” A leader’s name. My second is Jaclyn. A Hebrew name meaning, “May God Protect.” Self-explanatory. My third child is Michael, “The Protector against Satan”! They are all special and all significant.

So, in today’s Gospel, Elizabeth and Zechariah’s son is born… one they thought they would never have. But through the Mercy of God, it happened. A special son who would point people to the light of life, the Holy Messiah. And that too is quite significant.

He will be called “John”, they said. What? Not Zechariah after his father? The neighbors and friends were shocked since infant boys were traditionally named after their fathers or at least someone in the family lineage. But this couple was instructed by God (through the angel Gabriel) to name him John, meaning- “The Lord has given Grace” whose mission would open the path for the Messiah’s coming. With great confidence, John would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. This special child was sealed by God’s power and mercy and would fulfill important prophecies and promises. Remember Elizabeth was older and never thought she would have a child. But God had a special plan for this child.

So, when the surprised neighbors said “what then will this child be?” The answer is, “the greatest witness the world has ever known.”

In Christ’s Peace,