Nativity of St. John The Baptist

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 Lutherans 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.” The beautiful words of Zechariah from Luke 1:76-79

Reading: Zechariah and Elizabeth and John's birth from Luke 1

Activities:

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. 


My children like to watch "Bible shows" so we watched the story of John the Baptist HERE.

On this day we also remember in prayer our sisters who are barren. We pray for their continual comfort and guidance. We can also remember to pray for expectant mothers.


We know that John leaped for joy in Elizabeth's womb, so today is also a good day to emphasize the life of the unborn, teaching our children about the gift and miracle that begins at conception.

Coloring Pages:
One (this is actually Simeon and Anna, but it works!)
Two (Abraham and Sarah, but again, it works.)
Three - A pregnant mama, can easily be turned into Elizabeth.