John the Baptist's birth, also known as the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, is a Christian feast day observed on June 24. This feast honors the birth of John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets and the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
Zechariah, according to the Scriptures, was a priest who worked in the Jerusalem Temple. An angel once came to him as he went about his duties and informed him that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son, who would grow up to be a renowned prophet who would pave the way for the Messiah to come. As a result of his skepticism, Zechariah was rendered speechless until the day of his son's circumcision, when he was able to affirm the name of the child as John.
John grew up to be a prophet, preaching repentance and baptism in preparation for Jesus Christ's coming. He baptized Jesus in the Jordan River before being imprisoned and beheaded by King Herod.
In various Christian faiths, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is commemorated with specific liturgy and rituals. It is a public holiday in certain countries, and people may go to church, march in processions, or hold family reunions or feasts. The day also provides a time for Christians to meditate on John the Baptist's message of repentance and preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
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