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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
And for that reason the Lord kept back the delivery of Elisabeth, that her joy might be increased, and her fame the greater. Hence it follows, And her neighbours and cousins heard, &c. For they who had known her barrenness were made the witnesses of the Divine grace, and no one seeing the child departed in silence, but gave praise to God, Who had vouchsafed him beyond their expectation.
Theophylact of Ohrid
It should be noted that concerning sinners it is not said "the time was fulfilled for her to give birth," but this is said only where the one being born is righteous. For the births of sinners are usually imperfect and incomplete, and it would have been better for them if they had not been born.
Ancient Greek Expositor
For it is the custom for virgins to go away when the pregnant woman brings forth. But when she reached her own home, she went to no other place, but abode there until she knew the time of her delivery was at hand. And Joseph doubting, is instructed by an Angel.
Western Saints
Ambrose of Milan
If you carefully observe, you will find that the word signifying fulness is no where used except at the birth of the righteous. Hence it is said, Now Elisabeth's full time came. For the life of the righteous hath fulness, but the days of the wicked are empty. …
Bede
Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she bore a son. Holy Scripture is accustomed to use the term "fulfillment" only in the birth, or condition, or action of good things, which signifies the perfection of life. Hence it is said, "Elizabeth's time to give birth was fulfilled." "The days were fulfilled for Mary to give birth" (Luke II). "Solomon completed building the house of the Lord" (II Chron. III). …
Bonaventure
For Elizabeth the time was fulfilled, etc. After the thanksgiving for the conception of the Savior, there follows here the thanksgiving for the birth of the precursor. Now praise is given to God for the precursor's birth rather than for his conception, because he was conceived in sin, but was born full of the Holy Spirit; Christ, however, was most holy both in conception and in birth, and therefore praises were sung both before and after his birth. …
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