The Nativity of John the Baptist

The Gospel According to St Luke should be called the Christmas Gospel. But it also includes the Nativity story of John the Baptist. It recalls Zechariah in the temple and Elizabeth's visit with Mary and finally the naming of John. All these do not occur on Christmas Day but are a part of the Birth Narrative of Christ.

John the Baptist leaps in his mother's womb at the presence of Jesus. The confirmation of the conception of the Son of God is very valuable. John the Baptist as the Last Great Prophet should have a little more history than John chapter one gives us.

This Nativity story also helps to give us Zechariah's Prophecy. Zechariah tells us exactly who John will grow up to be. It is not just one random Passage in Isaiah that John the Baptist fulfills. This Nativity is a Part of the Lord's Birth Narrative. John is the cousin of Jesus and their Childhoods are connected. But this is not as important as remembering how and for what John dies verses for what Jesus dies.

John is born and given a great birthday celebration. John is born to lead and point the people to our Lord who comes to die for his people. Jesus is named such because he will save his people. This celebration can be a simple birthday or it can be the thought of the complete Incarnation.

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