The Feast Day

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist is one of the oldest Christian feast days, observed annually on June 24th. This date is significant as it falls six months before the Nativity of Jesus, aligning with the biblical account in the Gospel of Luke, which states that Elizabeth, John's mother, was six months pregnant when the Annunciation to Mary occurred. The feast highlights John's pivotal role as the forerunner of Christ, emphasizing his mission to prepare the way for Jesus and call people to repentance.

The Biblical Account

Christians have long interpreted the life of John the Baptist as a preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, and the circumstances of his birth, as recorded in the New Testament, are miraculous. John's pivotal place in the gospel is seen in the emphasis Luke gives to the announcement of his birth and the event itself, both set in parallel to the same occurrences in the life of Jesus.
St. John the Baptist's miraculous birth, as told in the Gospel of Luke, is celebrated as a sign of God's mercy and intervention. The narrative emphasizes the joy surrounding John's birth, as neighbors and relatives rejoiced with Elizabeth, recognizing the Lord's great mercy.

Conclusion

St. John the Baptist is honored not only for his birth but also for his role in salvation history as the one who prepared the way for Jesus. His life and message continue to inspire Christians to live in accordance with God's will and to bear witness to the coming of Christ. The Nativity of St. John the Baptist serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the call to repentance in the Christian faith.

The Feast of Title: St. John the Baptist

We invite you to remember in your prayers this week, the congregation of the Church of St. John the Baptist, we offer our prayers and congratulations for their Feast Day on Friday 24, 2025.

We extend these thoughts and prayers to the Priest, Rev. Wayne Kirton, Rector, the PCC, all other organizations and the congregation as they observe their special day.