It is interesting to me that the Church doesn’t typically celebrate the earthly birthdays of its saints but their Heavenly birthdays, the days they died and entered Heaven. There are two exceptions to that, Mary’s and John the Baptist’s births. As I understand it, the Catholic church teaches that this is because they were born without Original sin. As a Lutheran we don’t teach or believe that but we still commemorate the birth of St. John the Baptist today.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79
We read the Story Bible’s account of Zechariah and Elizabeth and John’s birth. We also watched a short show about John the Baptist.
Appropriate symbols for teaching about St. John or decorating for this Feast day are: Camel-skin robe, cross, lamb, pouring water from hands or scallop shell for Baptism.
Coloring Pages:
One (this is actually Simeon and Anna, but it works!)
Two (Abraham and Sarah (really not looking too good) but again, it works)
Three – Pregnant mama
Since Scripture tells us about John leaping in Elizabeth’s womb I like to use this day to teach the kids of life before a baby’s birth. We talk often of the baby in “mama’s tummy” as though each were already a part of our family, and in truth they are. I think it’s important to emphasize this as often as we can, especially in a culture that has little value for the unborn.
On this day we also remember in prayer our sisters who are barren. We pray for their continual comfort and guidance.
Also exciting and I thought appropriate for today is my 21 week Ultrasound! I invited the big girls to come along this afternoon to see the new baby but as of now they have declined. “It’s more fun at home.” was Lily’s answer. Oh well.
