"His name is John"

But we don't want to be quiet for too long, do we? We like to talk! We like to say "Mama" and "Daddy" and "I love you!"

Today we're going to hear about a man who couldn't talk for a long, long time. His name was Zacharias. Can you say "Zacharias"? Good!

Zacharias worked in God's house. He loved God very much. His wife was named Elizabeth. They were very old, like grandma and grandpa. They didn't have any babies.

One day, Zacharias was in God's house. Suddenly, an angel came! Angels are God's helpers. The angel was very bright and shiny! Zacharias was scared.

"Don't be scared," said the angel. "God has good news! Your wife Elizabeth will have a baby boy! You will name him John. He will help people love God."

Zacharias said, "But we are too old for babies!" He didn't believe the angel.

The angel said, "I am Gabriel. God sent me. Since you don't believe, you cannot talk until the baby comes." And just like that - Zacharias couldn't say any words! Not even "hello" or "thank you!"

Elizabeth had her baby boy! Everyone was so happy! They wanted to name the baby Zacharias, like daddy. But Elizabeth said, "No! His name is John!"

They asked daddy Zacharias what name he wanted. But remember - he couldn't talk! So he wrote on a paper: "His name is John." Right then, Zacharias could talk again! He was so happy! He said, "Thank you, God! This baby will help people get ready for Jesus!"

Baby John grew up to be John the Baptist. He told everyone that Jesus was coming! Jesus loves you so much!

Let's pray: Dear God, thank you for baby John. Thank you for Jesus who loves us. Amen.