These questions are used for personal contemplation or to discuss with a friend/spouse/small group.

The relationship between Mary and Elizabeth shows that Gods spirit can bind together people in a way greater than demographic similarities. How have you experienced unity with other believers in Christ?

Are there ways you can build more unity and connections with other believers?

What does the Bible teach and not teach about Mary?

How is her character and response worthy of admiration?

Mary shared 15 allusions to the Old Testament, revealing that Mary knew her Bible. It reminds us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. How does this inform how we are to engage with our choices and words?

How does she show her humility in her response/song?

How does wealth often affect the human heart?

How might we who are rich guard our hearts against an attitude of self- sufficiency?

What kind of covenant is the promise to Abraham?

Why is this significant?

What was God’s covenant and how is it fulfilled in Luke 1?

[from the Prayer of Hannah; 1 Samuel 2:1-10]

 And Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the Lord;

    my horn is exalted in the Lord.

My mouth derides my enemies,

    because I rejoice in your salvation.

“There is none holy like the Lord:

    for there is none besides you;

    there is no rock like our God.

Talk no more so very proudly,

    let not arrogance come from your mouth;

for the Lord is a God of knowledge,

    and by him actions are weighed.

The bows of the mighty are broken,

    but the feeble bind on strength.

Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,

    but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.

The barren has borne seven,

    but she who has many children is forlorn.

The Lord kills and brings to life;

    he brings down to Sheol and raises up.

The Lord makes poor and makes rich;

    he brings low and he exalts.

He raises up the poor from the dust;

    he lifts the needy from the ash heap

to make them sit with princes

    and inherit a seat of honor.

For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,

    and on them he has set the world.

“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,

    but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,

    for not by might shall a man prevail.

The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;

    against them he will thunder in heaven.

The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;

    he will give strength to his king

    and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

This is only a set of ideas. Overlay these ideas with the knowledge and experience you have of your specific family.

Table Talk Prompt for Luke 1:39-56 (Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat)

• In this passage, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and both women rejoice in the amazing news that they are both carrying children who will play a key role in God's plan for salvation. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, celebrates God's greatness and His work of salvation through her son, Jesus. As we reflect on this moment, think about how Mary and Elizabeth responded to the presence of Jesus even before His birth. What are some activities that we, as a family, can do this holiday season to respond to Jesus with the same joy, faith, and praise that Mary and Elizabeth had, knowing that He is with us today and that He came to bring salvation to the world?