Mary Visits Elizabeth

Luke 1:39-56

Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!”

A long time ago, in the days before Jesus was born, Mary had just heard wonderful news from God. An angel had told her that she would have a very special baby—God’s Son, Jesus. Mary’s heart was full of amazement, and she wanted to visit someone who would understand. So Mary packed her things and traveled to see her relative Elizabeth, who lived in the hills far away.

Elizabeth was also going to have a baby, even though she was older and had never been able to have a child before. God had done a miracle for her, too! Her baby would grow up to help people get ready for Jesus.

When Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s house, she called out a happy greeting. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, something amazing happened—Elizabeth’s baby jumped for joy inside her! Elizabeth felt God’s Holy Spirit fill her heart, and she knew right away that Mary was carrying God’s special Son.

Elizabeth said, “Mary, God has blessed you! And God has blessed your baby too! You believed God’s promise, and He is doing great things in you.”

Mary felt so happy that she began to sing a song to God. She sang about how strong and loving God is. She sang about how God keeps His promises. And she sang about how God lifts up people who feel small or forgotten.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for a little while. They talked, prayed, and thanked God together. Both women knew that God was doing something wonderful—not just for them, but for the whole world.
God filled Mary and Elizabeth with joy, and God fills our hearts with joy too.

Key takeaway for preschoolers:

God brings us joy and keeps His promises. Mary and Elizabeth were happy because God was doing something wonderful, and God does wonderful things for us too.


Dear God,

Thank You for the joy You gave to Mary and Elizabeth. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for filling our hearts with happiness too. Help us remember that You are always with us and that Your love makes us strong. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11, BSB

Paraphrase: “Jesus is born! He is the Savior God promised to us.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. “Jump for Joy!: Movement Game

Objective: Help children connect with the moment Elizabeth’s baby jumped for joy when Mary arrived.

Materials: None.

Activity: Tell children that when Mary greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby jumped for joy. Invite the children to pretend they are “jumping for joy” too. Say “Mary said hello!” and let everyone jump once with a happy smile. Repeat several times at different speeds—slow, medium, and fast—adding gentle variations like tiptoe jumps or “tiny hops.”

Talk About It: “Elizabeth’s baby jumped for joy when Mary came in. What makes you feel happy and joyful?”


2. “Mary Visits Elizabeth” Story Path Craft

Objective: Reinforce the idea of Mary traveling to visit Elizabeth.

Materials: Strips of brown paper (to make a path), crayons, paper, glue sticks.

Activity: Children glue a winding “path” onto their paper using brown strips. At one end, they draw Mary. At the other end, they draw Elizabeth with a big smile. Encourage simple shapes and happy faces.

Talk About It: “Mary traveled a long way to see Elizabeth. Who do you like to visit?”


3. Joyful Hearts Stamping

Objective: Express the joy Mary and Elizabeth felt together.

Materials: Paper, washable paint, small heart-shaped sponges or cut sponges.

Activity: Children dip heart-shaped sponges into paint and press them onto their paper to make joyful “heart bursts.” Encourage them to fill the page with color and joy.

Talk About It: “Mary and Elizabeth were full of joy because God was doing wonderful things. What makes you thank God?”


4. “Mary Sang a Happy Song” (Musical Activity)

Objective: Teach children that Mary praised God with a joyful song.

Materials: None (optional: gentle swaying motions)..

Activity: Teach children this short song to the tune of the tune of “Jesus Loves Me” (Public Domain):

Song: “Mary Sang a Happy Song” (to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”)

Mary sang a happy song,
Thanking God the whole day long.
God had done great things, she knew—
God is good to me and you!
Yes, God—  loves us!
Yes, God—  loves us!
Yes, God—  loves us!
He does wonderful things.

Talk About It: “Mary sang to thank God. What can you thank God for today?”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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