179. Mary Christmastide with Maxine Hanks

In this episode, host Jessica Woodbury returns for a special Christmas episode interviewing Maxine Hanks on the significance of Mary in the Christmas narrative. They discuss the importance of Advent as a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth, highlighting the metaphor of light emerging from darkness, or the spiritual womb. The conversation delves into the historical context of Christian Holy Days and how they can serve as spiritual practices, encouraging listeners to connect with the divine through rituals. Maxine also emphasizes that Mary’s identity extends beyond motherhood, offering insights into her life through the Genesis of Mary, an apocryphal text. They delve into Mary's divine calling and her role as a priestess and prophetess. Additionally, they reflect on the concept of Mary as a queen and her connection to the divine feminine, as well as the idea of Sophia as a representation of higher femininity. The conversation encourages listeners to contemplate their own spiritual journeys and the divine light waiting to be born within them during the Christmas season.Maxine Hanks is on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mormonfeminisms