The birth of Jesus is not the only birth announced by the angel Gabriel. In the Gospel for Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, we hear of John the Baptist’s birth and naming. The angel Gabriel had delivered the message to John’s father, Zechariah, that he and Elizabeth, a woman beyond childbearing years, would have a son. John was destined to become the prophet who would prepare the way for Jesus. John spoke the truth as a prophet is called to do. John never rejected God’s call. Instead, he embraced it. John the Baptist reminds us that we are meant to point the way to Jesus by being prophets and speaking the truth to all the world.
This solemnity comes near the summer solstice when daylight hours begin to shorten. It is six months from the birth of Jesus (Christmas), which comes near the winter solstice when daylight hours begin to lengthen. Bible scholars have used this to support John the Baptist’s statement, “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Find an interesting article about this solemnity and the important role of Saint John the Baptist here.
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