Many feast days are marked by the date of the saint’s birth into Heaven, their death on Earth. This one, however, commemorates the saint’s birth on Earth. St. John the Baptist’s earthly life was a preceding of Christ’s in every way. His entire mission as prophet was to prepare the way, to point the way to Christ. From his miraculous conception, the incredulity and later faith of his parents, his peculiarly sanctified lifestyle, and his work among the people of Israel, his life was that of testimony. We celebrate his birth exactly six months before our Lord’s because Elizabeth, his mother, was in her sixth month at the time of the Annunciation. When Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea upon learning of the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy from the Angel, St. John the Baptist was the first to recognize the divinity of the child in Mary’s womb. He leapt for joy. His mother was his first disciple, giving voice to the yet unborn prophet’s sign. “And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

St. John was to have the spirit of Elijah as a fulfillment of the prophecies of the coming Messiah. He was “to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

For this feast’s celebration I’m planning a birthday party for St. John the Baptist! 

Story

First, light a candle. Pull out baptism candles, light a family prayer candle, or simply find a candle to light. Nothing invokes wonder and attention to the sacred in children than the glow of candle light.

Ask first what the children know about St. John the Baptist. Share details you find especially fascinating about his life. If you, the parent, show interest in his life your children will pick up on that. They’ll take note that this subject is one that is important. They’ll ask, “why?” If not out loud or in some obvious way, perhaps in the quietly, subconsciously they’ll take note.

Then, pull out the book. St. John the Baptist’s story is recounted in the Bible, so pull out your favorite children’s bible or read part of his life from the real deal. Especially if your children are able to follow along try one of these:

• The announcement of John’s birth from Luke 1:5-25
• the Visitation from Luke 1:39-45
• The Canticle of Zechariah in Luke 1:67-80
• or his preaching and the baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:1-22

 

Prayer

Then pray together from the Collect of the Liturgy of the Hours for this feast:

“O God, who raised up Saint John the Baptist

to make ready a nation fit for Christ the Lord,

give your people, we pray,

the grace of spiritual joys

and direct the hearts of all the faithful

into the way of salvation and peace.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.”

 

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

 

Coloring page

Click Here to go to CatholicPlayground.com for the coloring sheet.

Activity:

Water Play! Playing with or in water is fun for the whole family. Set up the slip ‘n slide, turn on the hose, fill up the water table (or shallow plastic bin), or take a special trip to the pool. 

Treat(s):

A birthday cake (of course!). It is a birthday celebration! I’ll likely make a quick and easy birthday cake from a box, and have the kiddos frost it right in the pan. Then we’ll top it with…

Gummy worms and honey straws!

Scratching your head yet? Scripture says that St. John the Baptist lived on locusts and wild honey. And as I won’t be able to find any candy locusts at the grocery store, I think gummy worms will make a nice substitution. A little tasty and tangible fun to help the children remember that detail of this saint’s life!

And that’s it! I hope you can celebrate St. John the Baptists’ birthday this year. Balloons totally optional.