The Messengers 16:10

The episode repeats the mistakes of the first Christmas special, "The Shepherd", in presenting St. Joseph as African in contrast to what is said in the Gospel of Matthew about his lineage, and it also depicts Virgin Mary as suffering while giving birth to Jesus, she also tells St. Joseph that she is afraid before the Baby Jesus is born, which is in conflict with the teachings about Virgin Mary and her being conceived without sin so that she couldn't have suffered any pain by Jesus's birth. Later in the story, where the older Virgin Mary is shown, it is implied she is sick and probably dying whereas in fact she was taken into Heaven body and soul in the Ascension of the Virgin Mary.

Also, St. Joseph seems to be a bit insecure and uncertain of himself at times, though he is also very supportive of Virgin Mary and the special relationship between them is depicted rather well. At times, Virgin Mary's special nature without sin is emphasized, especially in her total trust towards God in spite of hardships in which she and St. Joseph find themselves. She is a little different from the ordinary people as she is free from sin and has a different outlook on the world, more trusting and loving towards God and following His will.

The structure of the episode is quite interesting, with Virgin Mary reminiscing about the birth of Jesus to Mary of Magdalene. The entire secret mission by Tychicus, who apparently smuggled Mary Magdalene in his cart so that she could see the Virgin Mary, staying in Lazarus's house, was exciting and emotional, as it wasn't clear from the beginning whether he would be caught by the Romans or not. The persecution of the early Christians is discussed by Mary Magdalene in her conversation with Virgin Mary, and the fact that it is getting more and more dangerous to be a Christian. I love the idea of Christian underground helping one another and spreading the Gospel. The friendship between Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene is also emphasized in the episode, as she is the first person Virgin Mary tells her Magnificat, it was also a good touch to have her recitation of it juxtaposed with the birth of Jesus. And the final scene with Mary of Magdalene meeting St. Luke and delivering the important message from Virgin Mary was also moving. I wonder whether the events of the Acts of the Apostles would also be shown in the later episodes? It would be definitely interesting to watch.