The Birth of John the Baptist

John the baptist has always had a place in my heart. His mission was such a special one to me. I have always enjoyed the story of how he came to be. My favorite part is when he leaps for joy when the Savior enters his presence even though they were both still growing inside their mother's whom.

Luke 1: 5-80
Zacharias was told about the birth of his son and what John would be like.

• he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, 
• shall drink neither wine nor strong drink
• shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
• many of the children of Israel shell he turn to the Lord their God
• he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
• and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just
• to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 

I've often wondered why Zacharias was made (Luke 1:20) "dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed." Was it for the benefit of the people? (1:22) "And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless." Was this act of God to help show the people surrounding the event that what was to come from the family of Zacharias was going to come from God. That it would help still the doubt in the hearts of many that other wise would not believe?
Later after the birth this speculation of mine becomes more likely. Luke 1:63-66 "and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. . . .And all they that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him."

 It was important for John to fulfill ALL of the promises the angle told Zacharias, even so much that he sent an angel to tell Marry to visit her cousin. That it could be witnessed in the flesh that he was able to "be fill with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb"  I find this remarkable. haha which is why I remarked. The Lord prepares a way for all of his promises to be fulfilled. That means a lot to me because I really need and look forward to receiving some of my personal promises. I know that I, like Mary, need to follow promptings to receive them.

Luke 2:27-29

When acting in faith, Gods promises can be fulfilled. 

 Luke 1:63-64;67-79

When we act in faith and God blesses us, we should open our mouths immediately in praises to Him. 

I love what Zacharias says. He is so correct about what John's mission will entail. 

There is so many wonderful reasons why we should be so grateful for John's birth and mission.

• He witnessed of Jesus Christs origin and divinity as an fetus. Which to me indicates that our spiritual selves have are capable of have a blessing from the Holy Ghost to recognize each other. It opens windows to thoughts about our spirits and what our consciences is aware of during our time in the womb. 
• "He alone was entrusted with the mission of preparing the way and baptizing the Savior of the world." 
• "He brought the Priesthood of Aaron to the Saints."

Someone was needed to fulfill the mission to prepare the way for the Savior. John was fore ordained to do this mission. He was set apart. He did such a wonderful job that the Savior said it Himself that "there is none who was greater" This tells me that he was near to as strong in the preexistence as the Savior. For none to have been greater! Can you imagine? It's amazing and my finite mind has a hard time, impossible time, comprehending it.