The moment Mary heard the angel say her elderly cousin Elizabeth was also with child, she didn't wait. She left Nazareth immediately and walked approximately 80 miles to Judea to be with her.
When she arrived and called out, John the Baptist leaped in the womb. Elizabeth cried out: "Blessed are you among women." And Mary responded with the Magnificat. Two women, both pregnant in impossible circumstances, recognizing God's presence in each other. This is a feast of hopeful expectation, of joy so full it moves even the unborn.
Enjoy Feast Day Food
Every food idea for this feast is rooted in the themes of the day — journey, expectation, and abundance:
- Rising bread — Something that grows in the oven! A perfect symbol of hopeful expectation and new life. Homemade rolls or a simple loaf work beautifully.
- A bubbly drink — Sparkling grape juice or lemonade to represent the leap of joy of John the Baptist in the womb. Let kids shake it gently first and watch it fizz.
- A journey picnic — Pack a simple spread and eat in the backyard or on a blanket to represent Mary's long walk to Elizabeth.
Make the Visitation Peek-Through Craft
Use the Visitation Peek-Through Craft to bring the moment of the meeting to life. As kids work on it, talk about what it might have felt like for Mary to arrive after that long journey — and for Elizabeth to recognize immediately that something holy had entered the room. It's a beautiful way to help children sit with the wonder of this scene.
Bring a Meal to Someone
Make a double batch of dinner and bring half to someone who just had a baby, is pregnant, or is going through a hard season. This is exactly what Mary did — she showed up for Elizabeth. Your family can do the same.
Pray the Magnificat Together
Read Luke 1:46–55 aloud as a family. Pray for those who are pregnant or waiting and hoping, for the lonely, and for the grace to recognize God's presence in the people around you.
