John had the unique experience of encountering Christ the first time while he was still a fetus. So much joy surrounded the news that Messiah was coming into the world that it caused even the unborn herald of the Christ to leap for joy when he heard the sound of the mother of Christ’s voice. Elizabeth, John’s mother, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and John continued in his development in the womb, fulfilling his role as the forerunner of Messiah before he even possessed knowledge of his call.