LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Luke 1:5-25, we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple who served God faithfully but had never been blessed with children. Zechariah was a priest serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel appeared with astounding news: despite their advanced age, they would have a son named John who would help prepare people to follow God’s chosen leader. When Zechariah questioned how this could happen, the angel told him he would be unable to speak until the baby was born. This miraculous pregnancy demonstrated that nothing is impossible for God.
In Luke 1:57-80, Elizabeth gave birth to the promised son. When neighbors and relatives gathered for the naming ceremony, they were surprised that the parents wanted to name him John instead of following family tradition. When Zechariah confirmed the name in writing, he immediately regained his ability to speak and began praising God. Zechariah prophesied that his son would prepare the way for the Messiah. This special baby, John the Baptist, would grow up to announce that Jesus was coming to save God’s people. God kept His promise to this faithful couple and used their son for His perfect plan.

OPENING ACTIVITY 1: Angel Wings Coloring Station

Items Needed: Pre-printed angel wing outlines, crayons, markers, glitter glue, stickers
Description: Children color and decorate angel wings. While they color, discuss how an angel named Gabriel came to tell Zechariah the good news about baby John. Let children talk about what they think angels look like.

OPENING ACTIVITY 2: Decorate A Pair of Mittens

To be added later. Filler activity.

Worship Songs

My God is so Big

God is so Good

Whisper a Prayer

Prayer Circle

Bible Story

Question 1: Where is this found in the Bible?Answer: The Book of Luke
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament?Answer: New Testament

The Bible Story:
A long, long time ago, there lived a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They loved God very much and obeyed Him, but they were very old—like grandparents! They were sad because they had never had any children, but they never stopped loving God.
One special day, Zechariah was working in God’s temple. He went inside the temple to burn special incense while people prayed outside. Suddenly, an angel appeared right next to him! Zechariah was so scared!
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth is going to have a baby boy! You will name him John, and he will be very special. He will help people get ready to follow Jesus!”
Zechariah was so surprised! He said to the angel, “How can this be true? My wife and I are too old to have a baby!”
The angel said, “I am Gabriel. God sent me to tell you this good news! But because you didn’t believe me, you won’t be able to talk until the baby is born.”
When Zechariah came out of the temple, he couldn’t talk! He could only move his hands and make gestures. The people knew something amazing had happened.
Soon, Elizabeth was going to have a baby—just like the angel said! God was doing something impossible! When the baby was born, it was a beautiful baby boy. All their friends and family came to celebrate.
The people said, “Let’s name him Zechariah, after his father!” But Elizabeth said, “No! His name will be John!”
Everyone was confused. They asked Zechariah what the baby’s name should be. Remember, Zechariah still couldn’t talk! Someone gave him something to write on, and Zechariah wrote: “HIS NAME IS JOHN.”
As soon as he wrote it, something wonderful happened! Zechariah could talk again! He started praising God and telling everyone about how special baby John would be. John would grow up and tell everyone that Jesus was coming!
God did the impossible—He gave Zechariah and Elizabeth a baby when they were old! God can do EVERYTHING!

Object Lesson:
Bring a sealed jar that seems impossible for a child to open. Let children try to open it. Then, an adult easily opens it. Explain: “What seemed impossible for you was easy for someone bigger and stronger. God is the biggest and strongest of all! Things that seem impossible to us are never impossible for God!”

Game: Jingle Bell Race

Before the Activity:  You will need a jingle bell for each child.  Make a simple obstacle course in the classroom.  For example: Have the kids zig-zag through the chairs and then crawl under the table.  Make it as simple or elaborate as you want.
Say: Zechariah was so surprised to find out that they were having a baby that he didn’t believe the angel at first.  Because he didn’t believe, Zechariah was not able to speak until John was born.  How would you feel if you couldn’t talk all of a sudden?  As soon as John was born Zechariah opened his mouth and was able to speak again.  Zechariah knew that it was impossible for his wife to have a baby because she was old but God can do the impossible and Elizabeth had a baby.  
Now, let’s play a game where you cannot make any noise.  It’s going to be hard so let’s see if you are up for the challenge.  
To play the game give each child a jingle bell.  They must make it through the obstacle course carrying the jingle bell but they cannot let the bell ring.  Talk about how John couldn’t speak and tell the class that their jingle bell is like their voice; they cannot let it ring until they are done with the obstacle course.  Once everyone is finish they may ring their bells and encourage them to say, “Praise the Lord because He has saved His people!”  Which is the simple version of Luke 1:68

Snack & Coloring Activity

Let Kids color and eat their snack

Bible Story Video

Extra Craft

Baby Blanket for John

Extra Game

Freeze and Praise
Items Needed: None (just your voice or clapping)
Description: Children move around the room dancing and walking freely. When you call out “Freeze!” everyone must freeze in place completely still and silent (like Zechariah when he couldn’t talk). Then call out “Praise!” and everyone jumps up and down while shouting “With God, nothing is impossible!” Repeat several times, varying the length of freeze time. This helps children experience the contrast between Zechariah’s silence and his joyful praising when he could speak again.