Scripture:
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’” – Luke 1:41–42
Devotional:
Mary had just said yes to God, but she carried that yes with trembling. Who could understand her? Who would believe her? Alone, the weight might have been too much. So she hurried to her cousin Elizabeth.
The moment Mary spoke, something holy happened. Elizabeth felt her baby leap inside her. The Spirit filled her, and she shouted blessing: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”
Can you imagine Mary’s relief? All her quiet fears met with confirmation: she wasn’t abandoned, she wasn’t imagining things — God’s promise was real. And Elizabeth’s joy was the reminder Mary needed: You are blessed. You are not alone.
This is the beauty of God’s kindness. He gives us not only promises, but people to remind us those promises are true. Sometimes we’re Mary — longing for encouragement. Sometimes we’re Elizabeth — called to speak life into someone else. Either way, the story reminds us: when Jesus draws near, joy leaps, faith rises, and blessings overflow.
Application:
Who has been an “Elizabeth” in your life — confirming God’s promises when you felt uncertain?
Who could you encourage this week with Spirit-filled words of blessing?
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the joy Mary and Elizabeth shared. Thank You for the gift of encouragement through others. Give me eyes to see who needs a word of blessing from me today, and let my words strengthen their faith. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Mary & Elizabeth Puppets (Quiet Craft)
Use simple Mary & Elizabeth cut-out templates (many on Pinterest).
Kids color and tape them to craft sticks.
Retell the story: Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps, and Elizabeth blesses her.
Tie-in: “Mary and Elizabeth shared joy together. We can share joy too.”
2. Leap for Joy Contest (Active Play)
Say: “When Mary greeted Elizabeth, her baby leaped for joy!”
Kids have a “jump for joy” contest — tallest jump, silliest jump, happiest jump.
After each round, they shout together: “Jesus brings us joy!”
Tie-in: “John leaped for joy because Jesus was near. We can celebrate Him with joy too.”
Recipe Option:
Leaping Popcorn
Pop a bowl of popcorn together.
As the kernels pop and leap, say: “Just like the popcorn jumps, Elizabeth’s baby leaped for joy when Mary came in — because Jesus was near!”
Optional: sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for a treat.
Tie-in: “Every pop reminds us of the joy that comes when Jesus is close.”
