The birth of John the Baptist is closely linked with that of Jesus. While Mary is young and not yet married, Elizabeth is beyond the normal age to have a child. It is seen as a special blessing of God. And when Zechariah insists that the boy be called John, the dumbness which was the punishment for his original doubting the angel's word is removed. He will go on to sing the beautiful hymn we call the 'Benedictus'. And John's special role is described at the end of the First Reading. He will prepare people for the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. "He shall turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the hearts of children towards their fathers." He will, in other words, be a messenger of peace and reconciliation so that all can welcome the coming Prince of Peace. That we will be doing in two days' time.