The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1:57-66

57. Now the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.
58. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.
59. When the child was eight days old, they went to the temple to circumcise him. They were intending to call him Zachariah after his father.
60. But his mother replied,

"No! His name is John!"

61. They said to her, “But none of your relatives bears this name.”
62. So they made signs to the baby’s father, inquiring what he wanted to name his son.
63. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote,

"His name is John." And they were all amazed.

64. Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
65. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea.
66. Everyone who heard about these events, reflected on them and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him.