Opening Activity

• Discuss what it would be like not to be able to talk for a number of months. How would you communicate with people?
• What is it like on Christmas morning or on a birthday when you get a present you have been waiting for? This is how Zechariah and Elizabeth must have felt when their little son was born just as the angel had promised. It was such a special time!

Bible Story

• When the baby arrived the family and their neighbours wanted him to be called Zechariah like his dad. Elizabeth told them that his name was to be John. (Luke 1: 57- 60) Why did Elizabeth say he would be called John?
• When Zechariah was asked about the name of the boy he wrote down “His name is John.” (Luke 1: 62-63) Just at that moment he was able to talk again. Zechariah gave thanks and praised God.
• Why did Zechariah do this? God had kept his promise, he was full of joy at the birth of his son and he knew that God would soon do even greater things! Everyone was amazed at what they had seen. (Luke 1: 64-66)
• John was a special boy. Why? Remind the child that his parents had waited so many years for him but even more importantly He would grow up to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord Jesus.
• God will keep His promises to us too. Mention a couple of promises which He makes to us in the Bible.