The answer is: Six months

Luke 1:26 - The angel appeared to Mary in the sixth month of Elisabeth's pregnancy

Isn’t it fascinating that John the Baptist, who played such a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus, was exactly six months older? This timeline is no mere coincidence and speaks volumes about the divine orchestration surrounding the births of these two prominent figures in the New Testament. Initially, John’s very birth was remarkable: he was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah, parents who were elderly and had long been childless. His birth was heralded by wonderful angelic announcements, making him a unique prophet with a significant mission.

Luke illustrates how the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary came “in the sixth month” of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. This simple yet potent detail not only gives us ages but illuminates the interconnectedness of their families and ministries. Ironically, while John came to point people to Jesus, their arrival created a striking dynamic in God's unfolding plan.

It's also intriguing to consider that both these figures symbolize the breaking of norms: John's unconventional lifestyle in the wilderness starkly contrasted with Jesus' teachings within more traditional settings. Additionally, John's role as a forerunner to Jesus echoes the old prophetic traditions, as it connects past promise to future fulfillment, emphasizing continuity in God's stories through fundamentally human experiences. And let's not forget, in each account of baptism, water became a symbol for transformation, setting the tone for the teachings that followed.