Light in the WaitingZechariah Hears Good News
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Have you ever prayed for something for a long, long time?
The illustrated story
Listen to the story
Read aloud with a generated voice, so little ones can follow along.
Read the story
Long ago, in the hill country of Judea, there lived an old priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. They both loved God and tried to obey Him in everything they did.
But Zechariah and Elizabeth had a sadness in their hearts. For many years they had prayed for a baby, and no baby had come. Now they were old, and it seemed far too late.
One day it was Zechariah’s turn to serve God in the great temple in Jerusalem. He went alone into the holy place to burn sweet incense on the golden altar, while all the people stood outside and prayed.
Suddenly, Zechariah was not alone. An angel of the Lord was standing beside the altar. Zechariah’s heart pounded, and he was very afraid.
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.”
Luke 1:13
“I am Gabriel,” the angel said. “I stand in the presence of God. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you will call him John. He will bring you great joy, and many people will be glad because of him. He will help people get their hearts ready for the Lord.”
Zechariah could hardly believe it. “How can I be sure?” he asked. “I am an old man, and my wife is old too.”
Gabriel answered, “Because you did not believe my words, you will not be able to speak until the day this happens. But everything God has promised will come true at the right time.”
When Zechariah came out of the temple, he could not say a single word. He could only make signs with his hands, and the people understood that he had seen something wonderful.
Zechariah went home. And soon, just as the angel had said, Elizabeth was expecting a baby. “The Lord has been so kind to me,” she said joyfully.
Zechariah and Elizabeth had waited a very long time. But God had never forgotten their prayers. Their little boy, John, would grow up to prepare the way for Jesus. God was already at work, getting the world ready for the very first Christmas.
What we learn
God hears our prayers and keeps His promises. He is at work even while we wait.
Family prayer
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we pray. Help us trust You while we wait, because You always keep Your promises. Amen.
A verse to remember
Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.
Luke 1:13
Say it together a few times, then see who can say it alone.
Talk about it together
- Who came to speak to Zechariah in the temple?
- What promise did God make to Zechariah and Elizabeth?
- What can we remember when we are waiting and praying?
Read it in the Bible: Luke 1:5–25.
Questions or a message for us?
If you have a question about this story, or you would like to share how your family used it, write to [email protected]. We love hearing from readers.
