ITTS Christmas Special: Mary Did You Know? (an expat perspective) | Episode 19
We thought it might be time to do another Christmas episode since our last one was in the Year of Our Lord 2020. This time, we’re taking a look at the story of the birth of Jesus from Mary’s perspective. At first glance, we might not feel like we can relate to MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS THE MESSIAH. But we know she was a sojourner—an expat, if you will. So for this episode of It’s Tea Time Somewhere, Denise and Alicia will share four reflections about Mary’s experience which we, as expats, can find relatable. While Mary did know some of what was to come from the baby in her womb, there were many things she likely did not know in advance.
And a Christmas episode would not be complete without listening to the angelic voice of Melissa. You won’t want to miss her new song she’s written and recorded just for the Taking Route community! While this song is not specific to Christmas, it pairs nicely with the experience of Mary uprooting herself and her child and moving to several locations. Your TCKs will especially enjoy this one. Also, have your tissues ready because they lyrics will tug on your heartstrings.
P.S. Be sure to check out our show notes before listening to this episode. We have some questions for you to reflect on and “ponder in your heart” (in keeping with the Mary theme of this episode). It’s not necessary to answer these questions ahead of time, but it might enrich your listening experience.
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Denise
Melissa
Alicia
Questions to reflect on before listening to this episode:
Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt like your character was under attack or you were being wrongly accused of something? Think about this moment and how you felt at the time. What were some of the emotions you felt? Did you feel like you’d never be believed? How did God uphold your character on your behalf?
Have you experienced a moment when the government has made life difficult for you (be it intentionally or unintentionally)? What happened and why? Were you able to see God’s hand in it in that moment? If not, can you see now, in hindsight, how He was working all things together? It’s okay to be honest. Your answer can still be “no” or “not yet” or “I’m still really angry/mad/upset about it.”
Think about a moment when something went completely different than you had planned. Maybe it was a birth plan (much like Mary)—or maybe it was the length of time you expected to stay in a country. Maybe it was unmet expectations of how language learning would go or how quickly you would make friends or what it would be like to work with a team.
Are you currently somewhere you didn’t expect to be? Have you ever had to suddenly leave a place you loved? What do you miss about the place you’re not currently at right now?
Points discussed in this episode:
Mary did you know you’d almost get a divorce before you were even married?
Mary did you know you’d be riding on a donkey in your third trimester of pregnancy thanks to a mandated government census?
Mary did you know your birth plan would go differently than expected?
Mary did you know you would have to flee the country with a toddler in tow?
Mentioned in Episode:
Melissa’s other song she wrote can be found in this episode: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Expat Edition)
coming soon!
Liturgies and Laments for the Sojourner | Volume One — Sign up for the book launch team here!
Related Episodes and Articles:
My Big, Fat, American Christmas Let-Down
Advent Tradition: A TCK’s Perspective
It’s Tea Time Somewhere: All About Christmas
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Show credits:
Hosted by Denise James, Alicia Boyce, and Melissa Faraday // produced and edited by Melissa Faraday // content managed by Alicia Boyce.
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