Church Fathers Commentary Luke 1:57-58

"Now Elisabeth`s time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her." — Luke 1:57-58 (ASV)

St. Ambrose of Milan: If you carefully observe, you will find that the word signifying fullness is nowhere used except at the birth of the righteous. Therefore, it is said, Now Elisabeth’s full time came. For the life of the righteous has fullness, but the days of the wicked are empty.

St. John Chrysostom: For that reason, the Lord delayed Elisabeth's delivery so that her joy might be increased and her fame made greater. Therefore, the Scripture continues, And her neighbors and cousins heard... For those who had known her barrenness were made witnesses of the divine grace, and no one who saw the child departed in silence, but instead gave praise to God, who had granted him beyond their expectation.

St. Ambrose of Milan: The birth of saints causes many to rejoice; it is a shared blessing. For justice is a public virtue, and therefore, at the birth of a just man, a sign of his future life is given in advance. The grace of the virtue that is to follow is also represented, foreshadowed by the rejoicing of his neighbors.