Podcast appearances and mentions of mary christmas

Christmas Eve – December 24, 2025; May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard.  Amen. This is the most wonderful time of the year, or so we are told by Johnny Mathis and others.  It really is though, even if the turkey didn't thaw out in time, the kids are hyped up on sugar and dreams of Santa Claus, and the in-laws are about to send you to a therapist's couch.  Yet sometimes when we think about Christmas, we get caught up in the Hallmark version of it – the lights, the carols, the cookies, and the gifts, that when we hear the story of that first Christmas, whether here at church or from Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas, it seems so far away from who we are that we lose sight of what it means for us.  But the thing is, this story isn't as foreign to our lived reality as we sometimes make it – and that knowledge helps us to see something we need to know now.  The author of Luke, from where Linus and we get the birth story we usually hear on Christmas Eve, sets the scene for us in the midst of human history – it was when a certain ruler was in charge and had commanded a census of “all the world.” Now, just for context, things were difficult in those days – they were indeed a people who walked in darkness (though the prophet Isaiah was speaking about an earlier time).  The empire's taxes were hard, and most labored for their own food.  Poverty was crushing most of the people, while a small elite profited off of them and lived lavishly.  And there was political unrest caused by an appointed ruler, Herod, a larger than life sort, who the people  viewed with suspicion because of his ties to the empire.  This is the setting into which God chooses to enter, and there is a lot we can all resonate with in it to be sure – but more on that later. Back to the story itself – this census moves Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey of nearly 100 miles (with no trains, planes, or automobiles to get them there).  It also likely meant a lot of others were making similar journeys, so as the song goes – there may be No Place Like Home for the holidays, but the traffic really is terrific!  And then there is the problem of trying to find places to stay along the way.  I have to wonder if Joseph and Mary made their place in Nazareth an Air B&B, given all the folks traveling in the opposite direction. At any rate, all that travel must sound familiar to a lot of folks today who stood in long TSA lines, navigated bumper to bumper traffic, or was trying to figure out where to put everybody who made it home for the holidays.  Add to all of that is the fact that Mary is very pregnant!  Lordy – that's gotta be a tough trip. So, back to our Holy Family – they get to Bethlehem, and there is “no room for them in the inn.” Now, that may mean Joe forgot to make reservations (you know that meant a big argument later – right?).  But it wasn't like they had to go to a barn somewhere on the property.  Likely, because other guests already took over the host family's guest rooms, it was sort of like telling them they had to sleep on the old lumpy sofa in the unfinished basement. Homes in those days had a lower level where animals were brought in for the night and in cold weather.  That is where the host family had to send Mary and Joseph.  If you can imagine that for a moment – it means the house was filled with people – all there for the census taking one supposes.  That is a made for  Hallmark crazy time moment for sure, that many of you here likely know far too well.  And for this couple, who already had a lot going on, sleeping among the animals may have been the most peaceful part of their days – a respite from upstairs where perhaps Joe's crazy Uncle Roy was getting into it with Grandma Lucy, who had a bit too much eggnog.  At least the animals aren't likely to break out into a fight over politics.  From the animals point of view though, this was a nightmare. I mean, first this couple comes down, takes over two of their beds of hay, and dang it – then they have a baby (what a noisy mess) and worse – they put that little human on their food in their manger – yuk!  The animals were probably like – What the heck!  And as for the birth, you know that was crazy time at the OK Corral.  Women upstairs likely came down to help, making things a bit crowded; and birth scenes, even for the virtuous like Mary, are typically not quiet events, despite what the hymn says.  Giving birth then, and even today is joyous and noisy.  Sadly, it is also dangerous – for both the mother and the child.  And after all that – shepherds arrive to tell them that angels appeared in the sky and confirming what the angel had said to Mary at the beginning of this journey.  No wonder she pondered it all in her heart – before nodding off for a much needed nap. What a wild family story this probably became over the years, right?  I mean, can you imagine on the 10th Christmas, somebody saying – Hey Joe and Mary, remember that crazy year of the census?  And them saying back “Lordy what a time that was” as Joe grabs another eggnog and Mary chases Jesus and his siblings away from the presents. Seriously though – that was the Luke story.  Filled with very human stress, joy, and a bit of craziness – and all wrapped up in love.  The Matthew story was much less chaotic, but far more dangerous.  Mary was pregnant, but she and Joseph were engaged, not married – which in those days, and in some parts of the world today – means danger for Mary and her unborn child.  In a dream, Joseph is told by an angel not to discard her, but to marry her as planned.  After the baby is born, a few wise people from the East come to their house (with very impractical and odd gifts).  Then, Joseph has another dream where an angel tells him that King Herod is out to kill Jesus.  So ,the Holy Family become refugees.  They flee the danger in their homeland, cross over the border into Egypt, and stay there until Herod dies.  Thankfully for most, this story in Matthew is not as familiar to their Christmas gatherings as the one in the Gospel of Luke.  But it is to many in this country now, who fled from danger in their home countries, often with children and just the clothes on their backs, to come here for safety.  To them, this flight to Egypt is very familiar. So, if we really take in the story we celebrate tonight we may just find a place for ourselves in its familiarity.  Sure, we don't ride donkeys generally (although how cool would that be – well, except not from the donkey's perspective, I suppose).  We don't trudge for miles on all dirt roads (even if in NJ it feels that way), have farm animals on the first floor of our house, or have to travel for our government census (they kinda frown on that). And we don't typically see choirs of angels singing, have shepherds coming over with strange news, people bearing odd gifts knocking on our door, or an awe inspiring astrological phenomenon shining in the sky above (which I can guarantee meant that it was cloudy over New Jersey that first Christmas night, as it always is when there is something cool to see).   No, we don't have any of that on our Christmas to do or see list, but then again, it is not those things that matter anyway.  What makes this birth we celebrate so important to remember is the rest of it.  God chose to enter into the world through relationships of love – the love of parents for their newborn child, of a young couple starting their life together, of family, friends, and neighbors gathering in likely too small a space but somehow making it work.  This birth, that changed the world forever, begins among family relationships that are messy and wonderful all at the same time, and amid moments when we feel exhausted or lonely even in a crowd (as it must have felt for Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds sometimes). It is in the mundane, the mess, the fear, the joy, the hurt, and the longing – the ever day ordinariness and sometimes craziness of human existence – that God comes – choosing to connect heaven and earth in the form of a vulnerable baby, born to world weary parents, in a humble setting, amid a chaotic family gathering, to a people who walked in darkness.  Today we too are a people who walk in darkness – the deep night of bigotry and hate, oppressive governmental leaders, marginalized people, poverty and loneliness, violence and war. And here's the thing, we who live in a land of deep darkness, need to remember most of all this night – Jesus is being born now too, and we have a part to play in that birth.  Long ago, God chose Mary because God knew she had the courage to say Yes to that call, the faith to trust the Holy Spirit even when things got crazy, and the will to bring Jesus into a world in need.  And God chooses us to do the same now.  You, and you, and you, all you-all, are not spectators this night.  You are a part of the story.  The story that is happening now. You are the one God now calls to bring the light of Christ's love into the darkness.  You are the one that needs to trust the Holy Spirit amid the insanity of this time and place. You may not see angels flying around in the sky, or shepherds knocking at your door in the middle of the night, but you are meant to be a part of this story nonetheless.  You are meant to be Mary – bearers of Christ to those who walk in darkness. We all are. And perhaps Mary's need to ponder all of it in her heart makes a lot more sense to us now.  It is a lot to think about – more than whether the tie you got for your dad was a good idea or not.  Because while the gifts we give at Christmas will someday be put away and forgotten, this gift – to be Mary – to carry Christ's light within us, give birth to his love for the sake of others, nurture him in the world – it is the gift of a lifetime – and the call we all have.  And perhaps like her, we may be wondering: Why me? Why would God come into this crazy world at this time and place? Will I be able to do what God is asking me to do, and will it really matter? And when you need to ponder that, come here among your parish family, where you will be given what you need for your life journey, just as Mary was so long ago.  Remember that when she became pregnant as the Archangel Gabriel told her, she traveled to her cousin Elizabeth, who affirmed her call.  Here is where you too can take a moment from the busy-ness of the world to come among family and be affirmed about your life and in your call. The story of Christmas – of the birth of Jesus – is our story – of God active in our lives and in the world.  It reminds us that mystery and wonder abounds even in chaos, that healing and restoration come with humility and grace, that God's great love appears in the most unexpected ways, and bursts into our ordinary lives to bring freedom and justice for the oppressed, and to proclaim for all to hear that everyone is a beloved child of God – no exceptions.  And perhaps most especially, that God chooses us to help bring this all about. God chooses us to be Mary – bearers of Christ into the world. So let us all have a Mary Christmas!  M-A-R-Y and the other kind too. For then we may one day truly see peace on earth, and good will for all.  Merry Christmas Everyone! For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rec-001-Sermon-Christmas_Eve-11pm.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve 1st Reading – Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 2nd Reading – Titus 2:11-14 Gospel – Luke 2:1-20     The post “Ponder This” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.

Special Guest-Host Sneha Cogan!Dr. Mary arrives to rile up Frasier and delight the Reversers. Frasier fights to host a Christmas parade, I job he is not suited to. Meanwhile, the Reversers design their own Christmas Parade!07m 24s-The KACL Studios13m 50s-Frasier's Apartment20m 38s-KACL Studios Again24m 26s-Frasier's Apartment28m 52s-The Christmas Parade33m 04s-The Christmas Parade Continued37m 50s-Twitter Question of the Week38m 21s-Post-Parade41m 38s-Tossed Salad & Scrambled Eggs42m 33s-Episode Ratings45m 05s-Create a Christmas Parade63m 27sPrevious PreviewFind us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube or email us at ReversePsychPod@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barry focuses in on Mary's Magnificat along with the importance of her faith and obedience. He acknowledges that for many denominations, Mary is sometimes overlooked or downplayed—pushed to the side—rather than seen at the center of the stage where she stands in the text, exemplifying women throughout Israel's and the church's story.     Scriptures: […]

What if taking Mary seriously actually deepens, rather than distracts from, devotion to Jesus? Art historian and theologian Matthew Milliner joins Mark Labberton to explore that possibility through history, theology, and the Incarnation. In a searching conversation about Mary, the meaning of Marian devotion, and the mystery of the Incarnation, they draw from early Christianity, Protestant theology, and global Christianity, as Milliner reframes Mary as a figure who deepens devotion to Christ rather than distracting from it. "I don't see how anyone cannot understand this to be the revolution of revolutions in regards to the way that women are understood." In this episode, they reflect on Mary as presence, witness, and theological key to understanding God's entry into human life. They discuss Marian devotion before the Reformation, excess and restraint in Christian practice, the Incarnation's implications for embodiment and gender, Protestant fears and recoveries, global Marian traditions, grief and discipleship, and why Mary ultimately points beyond herself to Christ. Episode Highlights "I love Jesus so much that I love his mom too. Isn't she great too?" " What relationship do you have in your life where if you knew the parents of the person you're in relationship with, that would damage the relationship? … It's a sign of deep intimacy." "There is no Christianity without Mary. That's how God came into the world." "She is my tutorial in grief." "If it's the real Mary you're dealing with, she will point you to Jesus." "The answer to the abuse is to point to the best use." "She became a presence in the church for me." "I don't see how anyone cannot understand this to be the revolution of revolutions." About Matthew Milliner Matthew J. Milliner is Associate Professor of Art History at Wheaton College, where he specializes in early Christian, Byzantine, and global Christian art. His scholarship explores theology through visual culture, with particular attention to Mary, the Incarnation, and Christian devotion across traditions. Milliner is widely published in academic journals and popular outlets, including Comment Magazine, where he has written extensively on Marian theology and Christian art. He is a frequent speaker and lecturer on Christianity and aesthetics, and his work bridges evangelical theology, Anglican practice, and historic Christian tradition. Milliner is also known for his teaching on icons, pilgrimage, and the relationship between art, doctrine, and discipleship. Helpful Links and Resources Read Matthew Milliner's column, Material Mysticism, for Comment Magazine https://comment.org/columns/material-mysticism/ Matthew Milliner, Mother of the Lamb: The Story of a Global Icon: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Lamb-Story-Global-Icon/dp/1506478751 Matthew Milliner faculty page: https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/faculty/matthew-milliner/ Stephen Shoemaker, Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300217216/mary-in-early-christian-faith-and-devotion/ Rosemary Radford Ruether, Goddesses and the Divine Feminine: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/goddesses-and-the-divine-feminine/paper William Johnston, The Wounded Stag: https://www.harvard.com/book/9780823218394 The Angelus Prayer (recited in this conversation): https://www.usccb.org/prayers/angelus Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham: https://www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk Show Notes Opening prayer invoking Mary's witness, comfort, and example as a way of drawing listeners toward Christ rather than away from him Evangelical identity reclaimed as gospel proclamation rather than political alignment or cultural branding Early Marian devotion emerging "early and often" in Christian history, grounded in Jerusalem rather than later medieval invention "I love Jesus so much that I love his mom too. Isn't she great too?" Honoring Mary without worship, framed through Revelation imagery of the bride and the people of God Archaeological and manuscript discoveries reshaping assumptions about early Christian practice Marian devotion expanding intimacy rather than competing with Christological focus Newman on devotion requiring excess, extravagance, and emotional overflow to be genuinely human "Let the Christian Church let it boil over every once in a while." Reformation dynamics producing extremes: feverish excess on one side and stone-cold rejection on the other Rosemary Radford Ruether, Goddesses and the Divine Feminine Pagan goddess traditions contrasted with Marian imagery and their treatment of women's bodies Aphrodite imagery as endorsement of male desire versus Marian imagery as reverence for God's entry into flesh "Find me an image of Mary that does anything close to that." Incarnation reshaping how Christians see the female body, sexuality, and dignity "This is the body God entered the world through." The angel Gabriel's Annunciation and Mary's consent Annunciation framed as consent rather than coercion, with Luke emphasizing Mary's agency "Nothing happens to her until she consents." Mary as theological answer to pornographic and exploitative religious imaginations "I don't see how anyone cannot understand this to be the revolution of revolutions." Guadalupe as evangelistic bridge for indigenous peoples pointing toward Christ without blood sacrifice Mary's global accessibility across Muslim, Hindu, and non-Christian contexts "She is a real evangelist, Mary." Walsingham pilgrimage as Anglican recovery of Marian devotion Marian attraction functioning as penumbra drawing outsiders toward Christianity "If it's the real Mary you're dealing with, she will point you to Jesus." Abuse of Marian devotion acknowledged alongside historical self-correction within Catholicism "The answer to the abuse is to point to the best use." Matthew Milliner's personal spiritual journey from childhood Catholicism through evangelical conversion Anti-Mary phase followed by rediscovery through art history and theology "She became a presence in the church for me." Mary understood as presence rather than abstract idea, without becoming divine William Johnson's, The Wounded Stag: God is beyond gender Devotional practice as tributary flowing into Trinitarian worship rather than replacing it "There is no Christianity without Mary. That's how God came into the world." Angelus prayer as scriptural meditation culminating in Trinitarian praise "Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord." Psychological and spiritual healing through Marian presence without theological confusion Mary as guide for grief through images of sorrow and seven swords "She is my tutorial in grief." Black Madonna traditions interpreted through devotion, time, soot, and divine darkness Darkness as sign of overwhelming divine light rather than absence of God #ConversingPodcast #MatthewMilliner #MaryTheology #Incarnation #ChristianTradition #AdventReflections #FaithAndArt Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

God asked Mary to believe something impossible—and she did. In Have a Mary Christmas, Pastor Jerry Dirmann teaches how God still calls people today to believe His Word, even when it seems impossible. Through fulfilled prophecy and historical evidence, this message reveals that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be and invites every listener to choose faith that leads to salvation, freedom, and new life.MORE...« Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples around the world. Get free resources and find out more at BeJesusDisciple.com.« Support the Jesus Disciple Vision » Give at https://jesusdisciple.com/give/« Solid Lives » To find out more about the ministry of Solid Lives, visit https://solidlives.com/« Support » Help us get free resources out to more people. To support the ministry of Solid Lives, please visit https://solidlives.com/give/« Podcasts » Listen to weekly messages or a daily episode from The New Testament Daily podcast here: https://solidlives.com/podcast/Support the show

This week Gavin has been to football for free and Dan has been having a lads night. We've seen Welsh Oli for some golf and Gavin brings us an update on his finger injury. We have a Christmas quiz and reminisce about a game we played which seems crazy now. Merry Christmas to you all   This weeks recommendations:  Artist Of The Century : MIKE Eggs In One Basket : Tele Novella He's A Man : Bob Vylan   Talk to us here : Email : betherewithbelson@gmail.com X : @therewithbelson Instagram : @betherewithbelson

Message Date: December 21, 2025 ★ Support this podcast ★

12.21.25 | HAVE A MARY CHRISTMAS | PASTOR TODD SMITH

Great Christmas message from the KJV Bible!

Pastor Danny Long explores the Christmas story by focusing on the unexpected elements introduced into the lives of Joseph and Mary, and how each of them responded in faith.

Don't have time this festive season for terrible

The far reaching power of a simple act challenges us to move beyond performative charity and to rediscover the ancient call of philoxenia—the love of strangers. By stepping into the shoes of the suffering and opening our hearts to those in need, we reflect the selfless love of Christ that "stepped down" into our world. Discover how a simple act of hospitality can become a divine encounter and a powerful fruit of our faith this Christmas season. 

Today we celebrate week three of the Advent season where the focus is on love. One of the primary ways to demonstrate love for the Lord is through quality time. We can grow in our relationships with Christ by spending time in His presence. We should be spending time in prayer. We should be spending time reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. In this way we can "sit at the feet of Jesus" just as Mary did in our text for today. Scripture text is Luke 10:38-42.

Life is full of surprises - some are welcomed and some not so much! If you've ever faced disappointment or rejection, it is easy to get cynical and be skeptical when good news comes your way. Christmas is a season that reminds us that God is a God of good surprises, and even when the day seems dark - dawn is right around the corner.

Life is full of surprises - some are welcomed and some not so much! If you've ever faced disappointment or rejection, it is easy to get cynical and be skeptical when good news comes your way. Christmas is a season that reminds us that God is a God of good surprises, and even when the day seems dark - dawn is right around the corner.

Pastor Eric gets into the Christmas Spirit by teaches on Jesus' mother: Mary; that we might have the spirit of Mary upon our lives.

Ironically, while Christmas is supposed to be a season of reflection and growing near to Jesus, the season itself has become so loud and busy that we can struggle with drawing near to God. How can we find Peace in the middle of a busy season? How can the Holy Spirit empower us to cut through the distraction and noise?

Pastor Jack Graham begins the series “Songs for the Savior,” reminding us of the real meaning of Christmas – who Jesus is and why He came. In his message, “Have Yourself a Mary Christmas,” from the first chapter of Luke, Pastor Graham focuses on the song of Mary. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

While conventional wisdom might have led God to choose a woman of power to bring Jesus into the world, God chose Mary, a humble peasant girl from Nazareth, to be part of His plan. Her response of "yes" to God brought hope into the world and transformed it forever.

Previously on Christine Lahti in Space: Unable to spend Christmas with her only family, Sunset the Crested Gecko, Dr. Christine Lahti volunteers for paediatric duty. A pair of investigators for the Space Criminal Investigative Service (Special Guest Star Chris O'Donnell and Special Appearance by Carol Burnett) are on the station looking into the attempt to overthrow Space President and the Pencil Royal Family. Mary Christmas (special guest star Mariah Carey) arrives to hand out gifts, but has lost her voice and cannot sing. Can SCIS agents Chris and Carol be called upon to fill in? And why does someone keep delivering coffee in cups labeled ‘Pristine Latte'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previously on Christine Lahti in Space: After the dramatic conclusion to the previous episode, where Princess Pencil (Daphne Zuniga) was snapped in two, Martian Pete has agreed to permanent transmogrification to take her place. Dr. Christine Lahti is reluctant to perform the operation and lose her favourite patient to royal pencil duties. Space Nurse Alyssa Milano wants to celebrate Thanksgiving, but it is banned by the Church of Necrogenesis, so she must hide out in the change rooms of retail chain Da Brats Grandma, and pretend to be eating her own hair. The Boss celebrates Thanksgiving in the refurbished stationery cupboard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Will and Steve talk Trojan history, Christmas traditions, and festive Bacchanals at Burling Manor.  

When Jesus was born, an angel appeared to shepherds and told them the good news. They went and found Jesus and then headed out to tell everyone. Mary, meanwhile, "treasured these things in her heart." What does that mean, and how can her reaction help us appreciate the meaning of the holiday?

Mary's song has been called 'The Gospel before the Gospel.' Is this true? Find out what her song tells us about God and why we should rejoice with her.

Moms love sharing birth stories. The birth of Jesus is the most famous birth story ever. It's surprisingly short on details, though. But we learn a lot about who this baby is, and who he would grow up to be.

Simeon and Anna recognized The Messiah as soon as they saw Him because they already had a relationship with Him. While patience, prayer, and persistence are critical pieces of our faith journey, making the decision today to be with God continually is the greatest decision we could make.

And a Happy New Year!

This episode dives into the Christmas story through Mary's perspective, exploring how she faced scrutiny, surprising possibilities, and the challenge of sustaining passion in her calling. Learn how her story inspires us to try again, even when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. — To connect, learn more or donate, visit gravetopchurch.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok by searching @gravetopchurch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gravetopchurch/support

December 22nd, 2024 Advent - The Song of Mary Christmas and The Legacy of Joy

Father explains how Mary has always been with Jesus and intercedes for us.

Today's reading is about pregnant cousins Mary and Elizabeth visiting together. It's helpful to commiserate with others who know what we're feeling as changes in body and lifestyle prepare us for what's ahead. Children can bring us much joy; so can friends who walk with us on the journey of parenting.

Send me a Text Message!Luke 11 is one of my "core" chapters. I explain that a bit in this episode, but it's an amazing chapter for Christmas Prep. At first glance, Luke contains three separate, somewhat unrelated stories. They are about going on a mission, loving our neighbors and being with Jesus. I use these three words to summarize the stories; Mission, Formation, and Union.But here's the deal, they really aren't just three unrelated stories. God not only inspired luke in the writing of the gospel, but also in the collecting and placement of the stories. In other words there is a reason why these three stories come back to back to back. What's the reason? God wants us to know...If I want to do like Jesus, I need to love like Jesus. If I want to love like Jesus, I need to be with Jesus, and that leads to a very Mary Christmas!