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Autom invites you to join us today as we celebrate the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist! He was a wonderful leader who ultimately laid down his life for the Lord. The strength and courage of his faith is truly admirable! 

On this day, roughly six months before the birth of Christ our Lord, St. John the Baptist was born unto his parents Zachariah and Elizabeth. Prior to the birth of their son St. John, Zachariah and Elizabeth believed they were unable to have children because they were both beyond the age of child-bearing. Zachariah, a Jewish priest, had been chosen by lot to offer incense at the Golden Altar in the Holy Place while serving in the Temple in Jerusalem. While offering the incense, Zachariah was greeted by the Archangel Gabriel. The Archangel of the Lord appeared to Zachariah and informed him that he was soon to be a father. The angel also told Zachariah that his son's name is to be John. Zachariah did not believe the message from the Archangel Gabriel, and was therefore rendered speechless by the Lord.

Around the same time, the Archangel appeared to the Virgin Mary during the Annunciation. While informing her she was to be with child, Gabriel also brought news that her cousin, Elizabeth, was already 6 months pregnant. According to the New American Bible, Luke 1:44 states, "For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy." This was the first prophesy fulfilled by John.

Meanwhile, Zachariah remained mute until the birth of John; at this time his family wanted to name the baby after his father. Obeying the message of the Lord, Zachariah wrote "His name is John" and he was able to speak again.

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is one of the oldest festivals of the Church, being celebrated since 506 by the Council of Agde. It was celebrated like Christmas as a day of rest with three Masses; a vigil, at dawn, and at midday.

John the Baptist continued to fulfill the prophesy of the Old Testament throughout his life. St. John preached and baptized fellow Christians in the Jordan river in the time leading up to Christ's ministry. John the Baptist was the forerunner or precursor of Christ, leading the way, opening hearts, and sharing the love of our Lord. He was the first person to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and at the request of Christ our Lord, St. John baptized him. This was a turning point in which Jesus began his ministry. St. John the Baptist states in John 3:22-36 that he "must become less" and Jesus "must become greater." St. John was martyred for his actions and beliefs.

Today let's celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Visit our website for all your St. John the Baptist devotional items and many other affordable church supplies.