St. John the Baptist’s Nativity: A Day of Joy

A Day of Great Joy

On this special day, we commemorate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. It is a momentous occasion for all believers. Recently, this day was also for the movement toward the abolition of infanticide in the US. As we reflect on the birth of this saint leaping for joy, for the Lamb of God has entered this world, we are reminded of the value of life and the blessings it brings.

Luke 1:44 – Setting the Scene

The Gospel of St Luke tells us,

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”

Luke 1:44

One way these words resonate is in that God reveals the presence of life even before birth. This serves as a reminder that God’s presence and purpose extend to the earliest stages of life, emphasizing the importance of protecting and cherishing the unborn. Anytime such joy of redemption is brought into the world, the enemy is close by roaring like a lion ready to devour. In the days of Egypt, it was through Pharoah against Moses

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Exodus 1:22

In the days of Christ, it was King Herod:

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Matthew 2:16-18

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:13-14

St. John’s joyful leap in his mother’s womb of Mary’s greeting is a joyful leap to the truth, the way, and the life. May we not hinder the little ones from coming to Him.

Overturning our Pharaoh: Roe v. Wade

On June 24th, 2022, a triumph of God’s grace—the overture of Roe v. Wade. Just as St John in the womb leaped for joy for the Savior, children in the womb are filled with gratitude to God.

The infamous decision of Roe v. Wade, made in 1973, legalized murder in the United States. For decades, it has been a source of blood crying out from the ground. Many Christians took to the streets of Abortion mills praying and petitioning. It felt as if the world was against us. But God, being rich in mercy, heard our outcry. While there is a lot more work to be done, may this act be the beginning chapters of a restored nation that defends the defenseless. May we commemorate God’s providence of St John’s nativity and this decisive action of the Supreme Court.

Cherishing the Sanctity of Life

In our prayers, we humbly express our gratitude for the opportunities and progress achieved through the recognition of the sanctity of life. The Nativity of St. John the Baptist serves as a reminder to cherish and protect this precious gift. Let us honor the memory of St. John by upholding the sanctity of life in all its stages. We offer our prayers of thanksgiving, acknowledging the recognition of the value of life and the freedoms it brings.

A How to: Traditions and Celebrations

Different cultures commemorate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in various ways. Some communities gather at water parks, engaging in joyful splashing activities to symbolize the significance of St. John’s birth. Others celebrate by lighting bonfires, representing the light that St. John brought into the world. These traditions reflect the joy and reverence associated with this special day. Make a tradition of celebrating life with St. John, make it easy and fun. Start the hot summer day at the water park. End it by Regaling family and friends with a retelling of the narrative of St John the Baptist around the campfire. If you are a local within the area, feel free to connect with us:

Final Thoughts on Today:

As we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, we find ourselves fully immersed in joy and sprinkled with gratitude. This day holds great meaning for Americans, who recognize the sanctity of life and the blessings it brings. Celebrate the overturning of Roe v. Wade and continue to pray for the protection of life. Let us honor St. John’s birth by cherishing and upholding the value of life in all its forms.

Related Resources:

Cruz, J. Bartolo. “Why Do Anglicans Celebrate Feast Days?” Saint Andrew’s Reformed Episcopal Church, June 2023. https://saintandrewsrec.com/why-do-anglicans-celebrate-feast-days/

CrossPolitic. “Arrested for Being Pro-Life and Protecting His Son (w/ Guest Mark Houck).” CrossPolitic, Published Episode February 7th, 2023. June 24, 2023. https://crosspolitic.com/podcast/arrested-for-being-pro0life-and-protecting-his-son-w-guest-mark-houck/

Wallace, Ashley. “The Liturgical Home: The Nativity of John the Baptist.” Anglican Compass, Accessed June 24, 2023. https://anglicancompass.com/the-liturgical-home-the-nativity-of-john-the-baptist/