The Conception of the Venerable Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John

This was the prophecy of Isaiah referring to the Forerunner:

"A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40:3)

His father, the Priest Zechariah was offering incense at the altar in the Temple, he saw an Angel of the Lord who announced the coming of a son to be named John. Joy overflowed in Zechariah's heart, yet he doubted for a moment that this could be possible, as his wife was already of very advanced age. The Angel then told him that, for he had doubted, he would remain unable to speak or hear until the word of God was fulfilled. And indeed, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. Eight days later, when the boy was taken to be circumcised, relatives wanted to give him his father's name, Zechariah. Noticing this, Zechariah wrote the name "John" on a tablet; immediately, he regained his speech and hearing, and joy once again filled everyone.