Elisabeth and her husband, Zacharias, were good people. They were in their golden years and had been faithful to the Lord, and, yet, nothing could fully prepare them for the news from the angel, Gabriel. Zacharias was probably the most shocked.
While doing his priestly duties in the temple, Gabriel appeared to him privately. Understandably, Zacharias was also “troubled.” The angel started out with his usual greeting of “Fear not.” The angel went on. “For thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thous shalt call his name John.”
The news was too much for Zacharias. This was impossible. He and his wife were very old. Gabriel called these things “glad tidings” and still Zacharias was in a state of unbelief. Since he was in doubt, Gabriel told him, “Thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.”
One could only imagine Elisabeth’s reaction when her husband came home speechless. Yet, she was grateful and accepting to carry a son who would eventually be known as John the Baptist.
Six months into her pregnancy, Mary visited her. At Mary’s greeting, “when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.”
At the moment, Elisabeth officially knew her cousin would give birth to the Son of God. Elisabeth said, “Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord could come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
Mary also acknowledged her gratefulness. “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiceth in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”
This is an important part in scriptures seeing women interact and celebrating with each other. It also shows how much God is aware of women.
Mary helped Elisabeth for three more months before going back to her town.
And yes, Zacharias spoke again at the naming of his son.
King James Version of Bible:
Luke Chapters 1 & 2
Photos from https://www.lds.org/bible-videos as well as the scriptural references and videos.
Painting: ” Visitation”, by Philippe de Champaigne