"The Messengers" is part of the 2021 Christmas special, Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers.
The birth of Christ is seen through the eyes of Mary and Joseph, framed by Mother Mary telling Mary Magdalene the story so she can pass on additional details to Luke, who is collecting historical accounts to compile his Gospel.
This episode provides examples of:
- Age Cut: Several age cuts between Young Mary and Mother Mary, including:
- Young Mary recites Psalm 63:1, then Mother Mary continues, then Young Mary concludes.
- Joseph holds a damp cloth to Young Mary's face, then Mary Magdalene holds a damp cloth to Mother Mary's face.
- Away in a Manger: Mary and Joseph are told by the innkeeper's wife that they can try camping in the stable.
- Cargo Concealment Caper: Mary Magdalene hides among the wagon's cargo to get past the Roman guard.
- Christmas Episode: This extra episode of the series was originally shown in cinemas as part of a Christmas special.
- Continuity Nod: Several continuity nods with "The Shepherd", including:
- In the first flashback, Joseph and Mary are out of water as they approach the town, a nod to them asking Simon, the crippled shepherd, for directions to a well because they are out of water.
- Mother Mary kept the swaddling cloth, which is torn where they gave Simon a piece to dress his wound.
- Flashback/Flash Forward: The entire episode is essentially a flash forward, taking place years after the events of the main series. Now much older, Mother Mary describes the events surrounding Jesus' birth to Mary Magdalene, shown as flashbacks.
- Illegal Religion: Mary Magdalene says that it's clear the authorities want them all dead.
- Infraction Distraction: The Roman guard finds undeclared "fine goods" in addition to the declared grain and fruit. He doesn't notice the person being smuggled in the wagon.
- Performance Anxiety: Young Mary is reluctant to share her psalm with Joseph. Apparently, Mother Mary was reluctant to share her psalm with Luke when he first interviewed her, which is why Mary Magdalene had to deliver it to him later.
- Screw the Money, I Have Rules!: Mary points out that Joseph could have gotten all of the bride price back from her father. Joseph replies that it was never about the money, and that God told him to marry her despite her pregnancy.
- Soundtrack Dissonance: Mother Mary recites her beautiful psalm, while we watch Young Mary in labor, struggling to give birth, with only Joseph to help.
- Time-Shifted Actor: Young Mary and Mother Mary are played by different actresses.
- Trust Password: Of the sign/countersign form, between Tychicus and Lazarus at the gate.
- What You Are in the Dark: Joseph's response when God told him to marry Marry despite her pregnancy.Mary: But you had a choice.
Joseph: Ah, ha! I don't believe that I did.
