Page 16 - February 2026 - Truth & Tidings

o much had happened in Israel Who wouldn’t want to see this mir-
since Isaiah’s prophecy. Seven cen- acle baby, born to the elderly couple
Sturies seemed to crawl by, and with living in the hills outside Jerusalem!
them came wave after wave of judgment, Strangely, Mary had just left and we
degradation and defeat. Much of it was are not told why. Perhaps she did not
predicted by Isaiah as Israel “received of want to draw attention to herself and her
the LORD’s hand double for all her sins” extraordinarily unique situation. But she
(Isa 40:2). But then he spoke words of was probably with Elisabeth until just
1
comfort to the nation, introducing “the before John’s birth: “And Mary abode with
voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, her [Elisabeth] about three months, and
Prepare ye the way of the LORD” (v3). returned to her own house” (Luk 1:56).
Messiah’s forerunner would arrive and Speaking of Mary, something she said
begin to announce good news. At long earlier in her song of praise to the Lord
last, that voice was born. “Now Elisabeth’s finds illustration here; she declared that
full time came that she should be deliv- the Lord’s “mercy is on them that fear him”
ered; and she brought forth a son” (Luk (v50). The crowd of visitors surrounding
1:57). Luke later tells us that this son, John, God-fearing Elisabeth “heard how the
fulfilled that ancient text (3:4). Eight days Lord had shewed great mercy upon her”
later, the voice of John’s father was heard (v58). How right Mary was.
again. Zacharias had been unable to speak As each family member and friend
since Gabriel met him in the temple many bustled their way into the house to get
months before and tied his tongue for fail-
ing to believe he would have a son in his a first look at Elisabeth and her wonder
old age. Thus, this portion of Scripture is child, “they rejoiced with her” (v58). It
about a voice born and a voice restored. was an occasion for celebration, not sim-
ply because a baby was born but born
Rejoicing at the Birth under such unimaginable circumstances.
It was likely a big event. After John was We must not overlook that in these verses
born, family and friends began to arrive. are fulfilled the words Gabriel spoke to
Elisabeth’s husband, “Thy wife Elisabeth
The child would be circumcised, marking shall bear thee a son” (v13). Even the
him with the sign of the covenant (Gen
17:11) and officially incorporating him rejoicing was predicted: “And thou shalt
into the nation. The rite would obligate have joy and gladness; and many shall
John to live according to the commands of rejoice at his birth” (v14). No fanfare; just
the Mosaic Law but would also inaugurate plain accomplishment. God always keeps
His Word.
him into the blessings God promised to
His people. And it was a must-see event. Revealing the Name

1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV Unlike our gender reveal celebrations
unless otherwise noted. today, the big moment on this occasion

48 TRUTH kTidings February 2026