The Birth of John the Baptist

In Luke 1:14, Zacharias was told that the birth of his son would bring much gladness and rejoicing. In the Bible Dictionary it says that John's purpose was "to prepare the way for the Messiah and make ready a people to receive [Christ]". It was announced that one would prepare the way for a Savior and that John was the "prophet of the Highest" (Luke 1:76). In Luke 1:79 it reads, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." People were so excited about his birth because it meant that the Savior was coming soon! What news would be more exciting than that!?