When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.

Luke 1:57

Luke 1:57-66

Reflection

Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist. When asked what she will name her son, she tells everyone “John.” They are surprised because no relative has that name. When they ask Zechariah, he confirms Elizabeth and is able to speak once again.

Everyone is confused at John the Baptist’s name. The circumstances surrounding his birth were certainly strange – his father became mute, his mother was barren, and his name was not what they expected. Yet God used John to preach repentance and prepare the way for Jesus.

We might not reflect on John the Baptist much, but he is a perfect person to lead us closer to Christ. He calls us to truly reflect inward, looking at our sins and repenting of them. He was also courageous in his faith, calling people out when they were not faithful and even dying because of it. Ask John the Baptist to bring you closer to Jesus, especially as Christmas draws near.

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Saint of the Day

St. John of Kanty: 1390 – 1473

“Fight all false opinions, but let your weapons be patience, sweetness, and love.” St. John of Kanty