The birth of John

After Mary conceived Jesus, she went to visit a relative who was 6 months pregnant with a boy to be named John. Therefore, John is considered to be six months older than Jesus. Since Jesus' birth is remembered on Christmas, 6 months back from then puts us on today. This is why on the liturgical calendar June 25 is considered the day John the Baptist was born.

The events surrounding John's birth were quite noteworthy.

Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.

His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”

But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”

So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.

And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.

Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.

Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him (Luke 1:57-66).

“The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel” (Luke 1:80).

John indeed prepared the way for the Lord.

John did not shy away from politics either, even if it ended up costing him his life (Luke 3:19-20; Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29).