Nehase 7 — August 13

A Promise About Baby Mary

Long ago there lived a good man named Joachim (say it JOH-ah-kim) and his kind wife, Hannah. They loved God very much. But Joachim and Hannah had grown old, and they still had no children. This made their hearts very sad, because they had wished and wished for a child for many, many years.

Every day and every night, Joachim and Hannah prayed and asked God for a baby. They even made a special promise to God: if He gave them a child, they would let that child help and serve in the Temple, God's holy house, the big and beautiful place where people went to pray.

One day, while Joachim was praying, he grew sleepy and fell asleep. Then God sent a great angel named Gabriel to visit him! Gabriel had news for him. He told Joachim that Hannah would have a baby girl, and that this little girl would bring joy to her parents and happiness to the whole world.

When Joachim woke up, he hurried home and told Hannah all about the angel and the good news. Soon their dream came true. Hannah had a baby girl, and that baby grew up to be Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus! God kept His promise, just as the angel said.

Your wife Hannah shall have a daughter, and in her shall be joy and salvation for all the world.— the angel Gabriel to Joachim

Aaron, the Brother of Moses

We also say hello and thank you to Aaron, the older brother of Moses. Moses was the great leader God chose to help His people long ago, and Aaron stood right beside him to help with God's work. We remember Aaron with love and ask him to pray for us.

Peter's Brave "Yes"

Today is also a happy feast for Peter, one of Jesus' closest helpers. Helpers like these were called apostles, and Peter was their leader.

One day Jesus took His helpers to a quiet place near a city called Caesarea (say it sez-uh-REE-uh). Jesus knew everything that was in their hearts, but He wanted them to say out loud what they believed. So He asked them a big question: "Who do people say that I am?"

Some of the helpers said, "Maybe you are one of the old prophets," the special friends of God who long ago shared His words. But Peter knew the true answer. He stood up bravely and said it out loud.

Jesus was so happy that Peter believed in Him. As a special gift, Jesus gave Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." This meant Peter would be a leader who helps open the way to God for many people. From that day on, Peter became the head of all the apostles and taught many people about Jesus.

You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.— Saint Peter

Abba Timothy, the Patient Church Father

Abba Timothy was a holy church father, chosen to be the archbishop of a great city called Alexandria. That meant he was the leader who lovingly took care of many churches at once.

Being a leader was not always easy for Abba Timothy. Some people did not want him to be their archbishop, and he was sent far away to live on a faraway island for a long time. But Abba Timothy was patient and kept trusting God.

After many years, a kind emperor, a ruler much like a king, called Abba Timothy back home with great honor. He returned to his city, and everyone was glad. He taught the people about God, cheered them on to keep believing, and helped them grow strong in their faith.

Abba Timothy spent the rest of his days in peace and quiet, leading the churches for twenty-two years. He made God happy, and when he was old, God called him gently home. We remember Abba Timothy and his patient heart.

The Birthday of Joseph

Last of all, there is a happy birthday to remember! Long ago on this day, Joseph, the son of Rachel, was born. He grew up to be one of God's faithful and beloved friends, and his story is full of God's care. We thank God for Joseph on his birthday.