The birth of a baby is a momentous event for any family. It was no different for Elizabeth and Zechariah. When their son was born they were elated and all their neighbours and friends were happy for them. But John had been chosen by God for a very special role.

Eight days after the birth, friends and relatives arrived for the circumcision and naming ceremonies. They assumed, following tradition, that the boy would be named Zechariah after his father. But Elizabeth insisted that he be called John as she had a premonition of the work that her son was destined to undertake. Zechariah supported his wife. The visitors were overcome with awe for a number of reasons. Firstly Elizabeth, a woman, had spoken up and had insisted on giving her child a name which was completely different from his father's name. This action was very significant as women normally did not speak up in those days and simply deferred to their husbands in all things. Secondly the fact that both Zechariah and Elizabeth were prepared to "break with tradition" was totally unexpected and seemed to indicate that John might be a very special person. When Zechariah regained the power of speech this simply reinforced that something very special was taking place here which was beyond their understanding.