Luke 1:76-80

“And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD (the Messiah) TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; [Is 40:3; Mal 4:5] To give His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise (the Messiah) from on high will dawn and visit us, [Mal 4:2] TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet [in a straight line] into the way of peace and serenity.” [Is 9:2] The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel [as John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah].