6th Day of Christmas: Baby John
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.
So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
—From Luke 1:57–80 (NKJV)
“Deserts are often seen in the Bible as places of wandering, waiting, preparing, testing.”
Reflection
John the Baptist’s nativity is celebrated in liturgical traditions on June 24th, six months before Christmas. Also important is the nearby summer solstice, the day when, in the Northern hemisphere, the sun begins losing moments each day, echoing John the Baptist’s words, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). One tradition on John the Baptist’s feast day is to burn broken furniture (or donate old furniture) to represent decreasing our personal possessions to increase Jesus’s place in our lives and hearts. Perhaps today, as we’re likely contemplating New Year’s resolutions and goals for the coming year, we could identify household items that need to be donated, recycled, or upcycled. We can also consider what cluttering personal habits could be cast aside to make more room for God.
Celebrate Together
Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. [Delve into the wonder of God pouring his goodness, beauty, and love out into the world he made, explore the Jesse Tree symbol for creation, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about your hopes for this Advent season.]
Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
A Tablet reminds us how Zechariah told everyone the baby’s name.
Inspiration
Birth and Naming of St. John the Baptist
Bernard van Orley, c. 1514–15. They all expected an heir to be named after his father.
Music
Go Tell It On The Mountain will remind us again of John’s message announcing the coming Messiah! [Play Video]
Let us rejoice with Zechariah as we enjoy Good Christian Men, Rejoice! [Play Video]
Visit our Joy of Advent YouTube playlist for featured videos, our Ultimate Christmas playlist for all our favorite carols, or our sing-along carols to enjoy karaoke style.
Prayer
O Almighty God, you pour out your spirit of grace and of supplication on all who desire it. Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from cold hearts and wandering minds, that with steady thoughts and kindled passion we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer of Preparation from the Book of Common Prayer)
Resources
Enjoy a printable coloring page of John's birth.
Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.
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