The Life of St John the Baptist inspires us as we move through Advent. Also, many points of his life shine light upon other Catholic beliefs.
Zechariah's doubt compares with Mary's assent to the Angel - showing that our Lady had made a vow of virginity.
Zechariah's ministry in the Temple indicates that John was conceived in mid-September and born in late June. Because John was six months older than Jesus, we know that our Lord really was born in late December.
John was freed from Original Sin while in the womb -- and this reflects upon the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the perfect sinlessness of Jesus.
John is an example of a life of penance.
Further, we consider the death of those wicked persons who opposed St John the Baptist -- Herod, Herodias, and Herodias' Daughter, as well as Julian the Apostate.
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