The Birth of John the Baptist

What Zacharias was told about his son John the Baptist:

Luke 1:14  And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Why?

In Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 56-80 and the Bible Dictionary entry called "John the Baptist" you will find:

1st -   Zacharias and his wife were unable to have children and that him being born was a blessing of God.  You can imagine the emotion that swept over Zacharias and his wife when an angel told them that they were going to have a son. What a blessing especially in there older ages.

2nd-  I am sure that even back then it was scary raising children with all the possibly negative influences there are.  How great would it be to have an angel tell you that your son was going to be great in the eyes of the Lord?  What a relief! Wouldn't you say? 

3rd-  Later down the road,  Mary came to Elizabeth and while they where meeting together the Spirit in a loud voice acclaimed how wonderful and important the children they  were carrying will be to all humanity.

4th- When he was born the people around him were astonished that he was called John.  Zacharias prophesied saying how he will prepare the way as a prophet of God.
How could you not rejoice when there is one that will   "...  give ^alight to them that sit in ^bdarkness and in the shadow of ^cdeath, to guide our feet into the way of peace".   I know that he was for ordained to lead the way and prepare the people for Christ's mortal ministry.  He baptized Christ. He stood up for the doctrine and principals that we need in our lives.

I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight such faith and importance.