There are many similarities
between the birth of Jesus and John.
Both were announced by the angel Gabriel.
Both were born for the salvation ofthe people.
Both were unexpected and miraculous conceptions.

But there must have been a difference between Mary’s
and Zechariah’ s reception of the announcement
for Mary was praised for believing
and Zechariah ticked off not believing.

John was six month older than Jesus
and they must have known each other well in childhood
and youth for they were related.
John was the first to start his ministry, leaving home,
family and friends to call all Israelites to repentance
in anticipation ofthe imminent arrival of the Messiah.
John had disciples and followers.

When Jesus began his ministry he went first to John
who testified about him. Then John knew that his mission
as the Herald of the Messiah was near its completion and said to Jesus,
from now on you must increase and I must decrease.
It is something that every parent must say
- at least in their own heart - to their growing children
as parenting becomes less important
and independence for the child more important.
Christians growing in the practice ofthe faith must also say it, as
their neighbour’s need become more and more important
to them. Now you must increase and I must decrease.

Some time later Jesus spoke about John and said, no man born
of woman has ever been greater than John, yet even the least in
the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. By that he told us
that when we go to heaven and inherit the Kingdom we shall
become like God and therefore greater than any human being
however great.
John was given a mission by God and he fulfilled it.
Let us also remain faithful to our mission in life
to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.