There are some characters that are common to Christmas. It might be a star or Santa. A tree or Christmas wreath. The manger scene, complete with wise men, might even be somewhat common.
However, there is a person that is quite prominent in the Bible’s original Christmas story, but who is nearly forgotten today. That person is John the Baptist. John was born to parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth. Zechariah was a priest, and he even had a visit by an angel to disclose that his elderly wife would be expecting a baby, much to his dismay.
Few today know this. John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus, likely his cousin. Mary met with John’s mother, Elizabeth, while they were both pregnant (Lk 1:39).
John plays an important role in the Christmas story. His father even offers a prophecy over him that he will be a prophet who paves the way for the future Messiah. And that is exactly what John did. He prepared the way for the arrival of Jesus.
The words of John the Baptist about himself still ring true today, “He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:30. For every follower of Jesus, that is our great reminder at Christmas. We wish to make Him more prominent and ourselves less the center of attention. We welcome you Jesus.
Brian Boone 
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