Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
A feast celebrating Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, known for his deep understanding of Christ's divinity.
Understanding Saint John's Feast
Saint John, one of the twelve apostles and the beloved disciple of Jesus, is honored on December 27. He authored the Gospel of John, known for its profound theological insights and themes of love and light. John's unique perspective emphasizes the divinity of Christ and the importance of love in the Christian life, making his contributions vital to our faith.
His feast offers an opportunity for families to come together in prayerful reflection, engaging with Scripture and the teachings of the Church. Celebrating John encourages us to embody his message of love and to share the joy of the Gospel with others in our daily lives.
The Life and Legacy of Saint John
John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James, both fishermen called by Christ to be His disciples. He stands out for his close relationship with Jesus, often described as the 'beloved disciple.' Tradition holds that John was the only Apostle not to suffer martyrdom, instead living to a ripe old age in Ephesus, where he continued to preach the Gospel.
The feast day of Saint John has been celebrated since the early Church, often observed in close proximity to Christmas, as a reminder of the Word made flesh. His writings provide the foundation for many doctrines of the faith and serve to reinforce the mystery of the Incarnation.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1Symbols & iconography
- EagleThe eagle symbolizes the soaring heights of John's theology.
- ScrollOften depicted holding a scroll, representing his role as a teacher and evangelist.
Customs & traditions
Read the Gospel of John
Families can read a selected passage from the Gospel of John together to reflect on his teachings.
Create a family art piece
Art projects that depict symbols associated with Saint John can be a creative outlet.
Pray a Novena
Begin a novena leading up to the feast, asking for Saint John's intercession in sharing the Gospel.
About this date
The feast is celebrated on December 27, following the Nativity of the Lord, emphasizing John’s declaration of Christ as the Word of God.
Frequently asked
What can we do to honor Saint John today?
Consider reading his Gospel and discussing its themes of love and light as a family.
Why is the eagle associated with Saint John?
The eagle represents the lofty themes found in John's writings, illustrating his spiritual vision.
How can we involve younger children in the celebration?
Incorporate crafts or stories about his life and teachings that are suitable for their understanding.
Pray it as a household
Bring the feast into your family’s day
Solua walks your family through the day’s prayer together — a few unhurried minutes, shaped by the season.
Pray Together