medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
The birth of John the Baptist also has signficance in that it occurs six
months away (more or less) from the birth of Christ. Since Christmas
occurs at the winter solstice, symbolising light coming to a darkened
world, so John the Baptist's birth around the time of the summer
solstice (this Monday just gone) reflects John's Gospel statement that
"I must diminish so that he [Christ] can grow".
---
Mr. Johan Bergström-Allen
Flat 2, 74 Walmgate,
York, YO1 9TL, U.K.
-----Original Message-----
From: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Bill East
Sent: 24 June 2004 08:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [M-R] saints of the day 24. June
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and
culture
> Today (24. June) is the feast day of:
>
> John the Baptist (1st cent.) One of the extremely few saints (in
> fact, I can't think of any others) commemorated on his birth day
> instead of his death day (or sometimes day of translatio, or more
> convenient date determined by later calendar emenders).
He is certainly in very exalted company: the others who come to mind are
Mary, whose birthday is celebrated on 8th September, and Christ himself,
whose birthday is celebrated on 25th December.
Of course, the Beheading of John the Baptist is also celebrated on 29th
August. The reason for celebrating his birth is that it is a significant
and miraculous event, recorded in the scriptures. Other significant and
miraculous events in the lives of saints are also celebrated, for
example the Conversion of Saint Paul, the Visitation of Mary, and indeed
several other events in the life of Mary.
Bill.
=====
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