The birth of John the Baptist stands out for a number of reasons. Firstly, John is one of 3 persons who have the privilege of 2 dedicated feast days in the liturgical year, his birth and his martyrdom. Secondly, as the herald for the long-awaited Messiah, John provides a contrast to Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist is everything Jesus Christ is not.

Indeed, both men represent two bookends for God's choice of the Herald and the Redeemer. For John was born in Judea of a prominent family of Levite priests while Jesus was born in Galilee of a humble virgin betrothed to Joseph the carpenter, of the House of David. John's birth was a community celebration with everyone asking, "What will this child turn out to be?" In stark contrast, the Messiah's birth took place in a stable on a dark silent night with no one to witness save His parents and a surprise visit from shepherds.

It is not surprising that many thought John was the Messiah but this is where John showed his noble character: he knew his place in the greater scheme of things, that he must decrease while the Christ must increase.

Let us marvel at how, despite their differences, God's salvific plan for the world was successfully carried out through the beautiful synergy of the Herald and the Redeemer.