Advent for Kids: December 8 – Gabriel talks to Zechariah

(oops, I had a post scheduling problem, here are the next few days!)

Week 2- The Bethlehem Candle

This is the first day of our second week of Advent. This week, we will be lighting the Bethlehem Candle. Each night, light the Prophecy Candle first and then the Bethlehem Candle.

December 8 – Gabriel talks to Zechariah

Tonight we get to light the prophesy candle and the Bethlehem candle.  Just like the prophesy candle symbolizes hope the Bethlehem candle symbolizes humble preparation. This week we’ll talk about humility and obedience as we learn the Christmas story!

Hundreds of years ago, before Jesus was born, Jesus’ mom, Mary, had a relative named Elizabeth. She was married to a priest named Zachariah. They wanted to have kids but were old now. One day when Zechariah was burning incense to God in the Temple sanctuary, the angel Gabriel appeared! Let’s read what happened:

Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.  You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. … He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. … Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!  But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Luke 1:12-25

When Zachariah was done serving in the Temple, he went home and soon Elizabeth became pregnant. She was so happy, she said:

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” Luke 1:25

Zecharaiah and Elizabeth’s son, John would be the one to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival. He was an important part of God’s plan to have Jesus save us all from our sins. Did Zacharaiah respond to God’s angle with humble obedience? (no) What happened then? (He became unable to speak, or mute) How would it feel to be mute?

When we’re humble, we trust that God knows best and obediently follow his plan. When we’re prideful, we think we know best or we think we deserve to know what God’s thinking. God wants us to just DO the things he asks us to do. What has God asked you to do today?