Today's Gospel: Luke 1:57-66 “What are you thinking? You don’t have any relatives with that name.” Zechariah’s cousin squinted at him in confusion. Perhaps what ails his tongue has spread to his brain? he wondered. It was not difficult to imagine his cousin’s thoughts, and Zechariah found himself wishing for the millionth time that he could talk and explain. Desperate to make his point and demonstrate its seriousness, he motioned for his tablet. Holding it up in exclamation, he showed all who were present his declaration: “John is his name.” Suddenly, he felt his tongue loosen, and he began praising God. His cousin’s mouth fell open in shock. “What then, will this child be?” he wondered. “For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” I like to imagine myself playing a role in stories in scripture. Clearly, I add little details here and there to bring them more to life (although I try hard to never change the integrity of the story and presume too much!). This moment in history must have been life-changing for all involved. What had previously appeared to be a more common event had turned into an “Aha!” moment that would reveal more of a prophetical truth than the guests could have ever guessed. If only they had truly understood the identity of the baby they were beholding! He was the one who would make the way straight for all to follow the path to the Christ. Little John would be forever known throughout history as a game-changing character. How do we react to this news? Knowing the rest of the story, do we recognize the game-changer that he was and is? Do we realize that his birth and obedience were vital to our own salvation story? Let us never forget his role in God’s plan for us.

Ponder:

Am I following John the Baptist's example in truly preparing my heart for Jesus' coming?

Pray:

Baby Jesus, as we prepare for Your coming, remind us of the role that John the Baptist played. May his obedience and devotion inspire us to more deeply prepare our hearts for Your birth.
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About the Author

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Christina Nagy

Christina Nagy is a freelance writer and blogger at www.catholicconundrum.com. She is also the creator of the Catholic Conundrum YouTube channel for kids and teens, which offers fun, faithfully Catholic content. She endeavors to bring the joy and beauty of the Catholic faith to others by sharing her experience in caring for her domestic church of 6, homeschooling, caregiving, ministry and business, and hopes to inspire others to pursue their God-given potential on their path to holiness.