Luke 1:57Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Virgin spent roughly three months with Elizabeth, possibly moved by the miraculous event and seeking solace in her presence. However, as the moment of birth approached, she took her leave. "And it was time for Elizabeth to give birth," which highlights that this phrase is not used for the births of those unrighteous. It is stated only in relation to the righteous child to be born. The births of the unrighteous are often flawed and lacking, and it would be more favorable for them had they not come into existence.

In the time between John and Jesus, Elizabeth, despite her advanced years, bore the final prophet, while Mary, in her youth, brought forth the Lord of hosts. The daughter of Aaron gave life to the voice calling out in the wilderness (Lk 3:4), and the daughter of David bore the very Word of God. The woman unable to conceive brought forth the One who grants forgiveness for sins, while the virgin gave birth to the One who vanquishes them. Elizabeth gave birth to the One who reconciles through repentance, and Mary bore the One who purifies the world from its transgressions. The Elder lit a lamp within Jacob’s house; this lamp represented John himself, and the Younger birthed the Sun of righteousness (Mal 4:2) for all peoples.

Mary remained with Elizabeth until the moment of her delivery. A thorough examination of the Scriptures reveals a pattern: it is noted specifically at the births of the virtuous. The fulfillment of the days arrived for Mary to bear her child (see Luke 2:6), and likewise, the time for Elizabeth's birth was completed, aligning with the moments when holy individuals transition from this earthly existence. The righteous experience the fullness of life, while the days of the wicked lack substance.

In the miraculous realm, today marks the birth of Christ's forerunner, who embodies the fulfillment of all prophecies. The prophets proclaimed Him, and in the waters of the Jordan, they laid hands on Him as He served as a messenger of the Word of God, a herald, and the Forerunner. Let us now give praise to the Forerunner of the Lord, born to Elizabeth, a woman once barren, yet who conceived through divine will. Only Christ traversed the sealed entrance without the involvement of a man. John was born to a woman who was barren, yet she was not without a husband; in contrast, Jesus was conceived of a holy virgin through the counsel of the Father and the Holy Spirit. From the barren one arose a prophet who was both a preacher and the Forerunner, in relation to Him who was born of the Virgin.

These statements may seem unnecessary, as children are typically born at the appointed time. However, it is understood that there are both premature and on-time births. This indicates that the birth of John was at the right moment. As we reflect on the Gospel accounts of the earthly journey of Jesus Christ, we consider the Nativity of John the Baptist and his early years.

While in Nazareth, the silence surrounding Mary's secret was lifted, and the silence that had constrained Zacharias’s lips was released. Elizabeth gave birth, as the angel had proclaimed, to a son. On this joyous occasion, many relatives and friends gathered around her, expressing their astonishment at the remarkable event. They contemplated its connection to the time of Zacharias’s visitation and recognized the close relationship between these two occurrences, although they remained without definitive understanding. Zacharias was still unable to speak; Elizabeth refrained from sharing any information without her husband's consent. Seven days went by, and on the eighth day, the child was to be circumcised and given a name.

Shortly after the Blessed Virgin Mary departed from the home of Elizabeth, the latter welcomed the birth of a son. This event was seen by both the elderly parents and their friends and family as a remarkable sign of God's grace and compassion towards them, prompting everyone to share in their joy.

On the eighth day following the child's birth, it was customary, in accordance with the law (Leviticus 12:3), to perform the circumcision, alongside the tradition (Genesis 21:3-4) of naming the child. As discussions arose regarding the name for the newborn, they suggested calling him Zacharias, following the family tradition of naming children after relatives.

Shortly after her leaving, the promise made to Zechariah came to pass, and Elizabeth bore a son. His arrival brought joy not only to the devout parents but also to all their family and neighbors, who celebrated with genuine happiness.

The Lord has greatly honored, etc.: this is a profound declaration of God's grace toward the elderly Elizabeth. She miraculously conceived and bore a child in her later years, astonishing both herself and those around her. The Jewish community, familiar with witnessing Divine favor in typical childbirth, recognized—quite rightly—that the miraculous birth of a child to a previously barren woman in her advanced age was a remarkable sign of God's special grace towards this devout couple. Consequently, they shared in her joy and celebrated with her.