Zechariah was a priest, and his wife Elizabeth loved God too. They were very old, and they had never had a baby.
One day Zechariah went into God's temple to burn sweet-smelling incense. Suddenly an angel stood by the altar! He said, “Don't be afraid! God heard your prayer. Elizabeth will have a son. Name him John. He will get people ready for the Lord.”
Zechariah asked, “How can I be sure? We're so old!” The angel said, “I am Gabriel. Because you didn't believe, you won't be able to talk until it happens.” And Zechariah couldn't say a word!
Key Verse
But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.Luke 1:13, ESV
Talk About It
How would you feel if an angel showed up while you were praying?
Story Questions
What did Zechariah and Elizabeth not have?
A baby
Who appeared by the altar?
An angel
What happened because Zechariah didn't believe?
He couldn't talk
Try This Today
Have a quiet dinner: for five minutes, nobody can talk. Use only hand signs like Zechariah, then share how it felt.
Pray Together
God, thank You for hearing my prayers, even the ones I've prayed for a long time. Amen.