Introducing John the Baptist

Message:  Meet John the Baptist

Bible Passage:  Mark 1:1-5

If your church does not have a “costume library,” it is time to start building one.  You can make a “John the Baptist” tunic from gunny sacks or appropriate fabric and a thrift store leather belt.  A Hay and Feed store will sell empty gunny sacks or one of the members of the quilting club in your church – your church does have a quilting club, doesn’t it? – can give you the fabric.  The simpler, the better, as this can also be used for any of the Apostles, Christmas Shepherds or many other characters.  Wear leather sandals if you have them and divest yourself of all jewelry and eyeglasses.  Honey sticks are available at many retail outlets or online.  Do NOT give honey to children under 18 months old.

Make way, make way!  It is I, John the Baptist, and I am here to make straight the pats for the Lord who is coming ahead of me.  Come, my children, join me at the front of the church!  Once the children are seated  I am John the Baptist and I am preparing for the Messiah, who is coming soon.  I eat grasshoppers and honey and I have a special treat for you.  Reach into a pocket or some small container and bring out your hand as if it were holding a grasshopper.  Who would like a delicious grasshopper?  Anyone?  Okay, maybe not.  But I am here to tell you that you want to “get right” with God have your sins forgiven.  Those times you got angry and said mean things or you took something that wasn’t yours?  Ask for forgiveness and promise not to do them again and the blessings of the Lord will be upon you.  And that is a blessing much sweeter than this honey I have.  Who would like some honey?  Pass out the honey sticks  Remember, be right with the Father and be right with the Son and you will know the love that is yours for the asking.