Birthdays

Traditionally Jesus' birthday is celebrated on December 25th. Of course that is not likely to be His actual date of birth, but was chosen years later. At that time of year, the days are getting longer. Ortberg indicated that choice of birth date represents the light of Jesus entering the world.

I have never heard this before, but Ortberg indicated that John the Baptist's birthday is traditionally celebrated on June 24th. At that time of year, the days are getting shorter. According to Ortberg, June 24th is not likely his real birthday, but was chosen by the church as a day to celebrate his birth. Ortberg alluded to John the Baptist's statement that "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Of course I have never heard of anyone celebrating John the Baptist's birth. But, I love the symbolism of light. When Jesus came into the world, the light will increase. When John the Baptist was born, his light will decrease.

This post was inspired by the book "Love Beyond Reason" by John Ortberg.