This children’s activity page illustrates part of the Christmas story. An angel visits Zechariah and announces the birth of John the Baptist. The story is in Luke 1: 5–19.
Five items on the activity page do not belong: a teddy bear, baby bottle, rattle, spoon, and Bible.
I love how the King James Version reads for this regal announcement.
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Luke 1:11–14 (KJV)
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
What I love about this story is that the old, faithful priest could not believe this was happening. He spent his whole life hearing the stories of the Bible. He had the plight of Abraham and Sarah memorized and could recite it verse by verse. Yet he didn’t claim them as his own.
In a true skeptical fashion, Zechariah said, “Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, my wife struck in years.”
The angel was quite miffed at this. To paraphrase the passage, he said, “Look! Don’t you know who I am? I am Gabriel, and I’m kind of a big deal!”
The Power of Words
Therefore, because of Zechariah’s disbelief, Gabriel declared the priest would not be able to speak until the baby was born. Isn’t it interesting how Gabriel guaranteed the prophecy by ensuring Zechariah would not be able to speak words of doubt? Our words matter! And sometimes, the best thing to say is no words at all.
How would our lives be different if we accepted words of encouragement and faith? In conclusion, let’s accept it instead of minimizing it when someone compliments us. If someone we respect sees us at a high level, embrace the vision! Sometimes, the path to a better future lies in being quiet and accepting the possibility.
This unique child would grow up to enjoy locusts for lunch. But that’s another story for another time!
This story of An Angel Visits Zechariah was part of “My Very Own Bulletin” and was available through Warner Press.
