At the time that Herod the Great was king in Judea, there was a priest
by the name Zacharias, and the name of his wife was Elisabeth. They were
both righteous before God; but they had no children, and both were now
old. One day while Zacharias was offering incense in the Holy Place, and
the people were praying without, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him.
And fear fell upon Zacharias; but the angel said unto him: Fear not,
Zacharias, for thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall
bear a son, and thou shalt call his name John[3]. He shall go before His
face in the spirit and power of Elijah, and make ready for the Lord a
people prepared for Him. Zacharias said: Whereby shall I know this? The
angel answered: I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God. Behold,
thou shalt be dumb until the day that these things shall come to pass,
because thou didst not believe my words. (Luke 1:5-25.)
-----
Footnote 3: Which means: The Lord is gracious.
-----
And Elisabeth brought forth a son. Her neighbors and kinsfolk would have
him called Zacharias after his father; but his mother said: He shall be
called John. They said: There is none of thy kindred that is called by
this name. And they made signs to his father, and he took a tablet and
wrote: His name is John. And immediately his mouth was opened, and he
blessed God in a glorious song of praise. And the child grew and waxed
strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day when he stood
forth before the people of Israel. (Luke 1:57-80.)