St. Zechariah Coloring Page
This St. Zechariah coloring page shows the old priest in his robes and headdress holding up a small writing tablet that says "His name is John," with Elizabeth holding baby John beside him and the incense altar of the Temple behind. The PDF is free to print. Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist.
The story of St. Zechariah
Zechariah was a priest who lived long ago, before Jesus was born. He and his wife, Elizabeth, loved God very much. But they had no children, and they were getting old.
One day it was Zechariah's turn to go into the Temple in Jerusalem and offer incense to God. Sweet smoke rose up from the golden altar while all the people prayed outside. Suddenly an angel appeared next to the altar! Zechariah was afraid. The angel said, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you shall call his name John."
Zechariah could not believe it. "How can I be sure? I am an old man," he said. The angel answered, "I am Gabriel, who stands before God." Because Zechariah did not believe, he could not speak until the baby was born.
And God kept his promise! Elizabeth had a baby boy. The neighbors wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." At that very moment, his mouth was opened. He could talk again, and the first thing he did was praise God with a beautiful song.
Baby John grew up to be St. John the Baptist, who got people ready for Jesus. Read more about St. Zechariah and his wife, St. Elizabeth.
What to color
- Zechariah's robes: white, with touches of blue, purple and red, like the robes of the Temple priests.
- His headdress: white, and his sash gold.
- The writing tablet: light brown wood, with the words in black.
- The incense altar: gold, with gray smoke curling up, like the prayers rising to God.
- Elizabeth: a brown or green dress and a white veil.
- Baby John: a white or soft blue blanket.
A prayer to pray together
Zechariah's song, the Benedictus, begins with words children can learn by heart (Luke 1:68, King James Version):
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.
Then add, "St. Zechariah and St. Elizabeth, pray for us."
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page on September 23, when the Church remembers Zechariah and Elizabeth.
- Play a quiet game: for five minutes, no one may speak, only write or draw, like Zechariah. Then share what it felt like.
- Write your own name on a "tablet" (a piece of cardboard) and find out what your name means.
- Talk about it: Zechariah's first words were praise. What is something you want to thank God for today?
Read the full story: St. Zechariah in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Zechariah?
Give his priestly robes white, blue and purple, with a gold sash, and his beard white. The writing tablet is brown wood, the incense altar gold, and Elizabeth's veil white.
Why is St. Zechariah holding a tablet?
Zechariah could not speak for months because he doubted the angel. When his son was born, he asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." Right away he could speak again, and he praised God.
What is the Benedictus?
It is the song of praise Zechariah sang when he could speak again (Luke 1:68–79). It begins "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel," and the Church prays it every morning.
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.