Jesus didn’t just come to teach us or inspire us; He came to reconcile us to God. In this Advent episode, Nicole explores Hark! The Herald Angels Sing—one of the most beloved Christmas hymns—and reveals how richly it is woven with Scripture. With more than 34 direct biblical references, Charles Wesley’s hymn is far more than a seasonal melody; it is a sweeping declaration of the Gospel. Nicole walks listeners through the incarnation, reconciliation, new birth, and the cosmic hope that Jesus brings. From Luke 2’s angelic announcement to Romans 5’s explanation of reconciliation, this episode unpacks why this hymn is actually a lyrical theology lesson celebrating Christ’s mission to redeem humanity.

Main Takeaways:

• Why this Christmas hymn is actually a full retelling of the Gospel message

• How Luke 2 connects to the angels’ proclamation of peace and joy

• What “God and sinners reconciled” truly means according to Romans 5

• The significance of Christ “laying His glory by” and becoming fully God and fully man

• Why being “born again” is the heart of the Christmas message

• How Jesus brings spiritual life that cannot die—even when our physical bodies do

📖 Bible Verses Mentioned (Linked to BibleStudyTools.com)

• Luke 2:8–14 — Angelic announcement of Christ’s birth
• Romans 5:1–11 — God and sinners reconciled
• Isaiah 7:14 — Prophecy of the virgin birth
• Isaiah 9:6 — Christ as Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
• John 1:1–14 — The Word becomes flesh
• Philippians 2:5–11 — Christ “lays His glory by”
• Malachi 4:2 — “Sun of Righteousness” with healing in His wings
• John 11:25–26 — “Whoever believes in me will never die”
• John 3:1–8 — Born again
• Matthew 9:1–8 — Jesus heals the paralytic (spiritual healing first)

Want More?

• Subscribe to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice
• Leave a rating or review to help other listeners discover the podcast
• Download Nicole’s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy:
  https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas
• Join Nicole’s newsletter for Bible resources and updates
• Share this episode with a friend who loves Christmas music

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In this special bonus episode of How to Study the Bible, author and podcaster Carol McLeod joins Nicole to talk about falling in love with Scripture, walking with the Holy Spirit, and staying faithful in every season. From early-morning verse memory at her kitchen table, to decades of quiet service before writing her twentieth book, Carol reminds us that small beginnings matter. “His presence is all the preparation you need.” She shares a striking insight from Mark 5/Luke 8—linking a 12-year illness and a 12-year-old girl—and offers a tender word for anyone hurting this Christmas: Jesus came to carry your griefs.

"Christmas is especially for you if you’re hurting; Jesus came to carry your griefs.”

What We Discuss:

Model > mandate: Carol fell in love with Scripture because her dad lived it and invited her into his early-morning Bible time with intentional verse memory.

Start small & be faithful: Ministry often begins with a handful of people—dorm devos, a living-room group—long before books and microphones.

His presence prepares us: You can plan, but ultimately “His presence is all the preparation you need” when you teach or serve.

A double 12: A fresh reading of Mark 5/Luke 8 (woman hemorrhaging 12 years; Jairus’ daughter aged 12) calls us to care for both women with wounds and the next generation of girls who need Jesus.

Christmas is for the brokenhearted: Christ came not only to bear our sins but also to carry our griefs—especially good news for a hard holiday season.

Bible Verse References (linked)

• Lamentations 3:22–23 — His mercies are new every morning.

• Mark 5:21–43 / Luke 8:40–56 — Jairus’ daughter & the woman with the issue of blood (“Talitha koum”).

• Isaiah 53:4 — He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

Want More?

• Subscribe to How to Study the Bible and leave a rating/review to help others find the show.

• Connect with Carol: resources, books, and devotionals at CarolMcLeodMinistries.com.

• Discover Carol’s YouVersion plans: search “Carol McLeod” in the YouVersion Bible app.

• Holiday help: check out Carol’s Christmas devotional, Let There Be Joy.

• Check Out Carol's Podcast: The Significant Woman
• Download Nicole’s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: nicoleunice.com/christmas

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“That deep ache you feel isn’t something to fix—it’s a holy longing for the Savior your soul was made to know.” In this special Advent series kickoff, Nicole Unice invites listeners to rediscover the heart of one of the most beloved Christmas hymns, O Come, O Come Emmanuel. With a blend of Scripture, history, and reflection, Nicole explores how this ancient song—written over 1,200 years ago—echoes the human ache for redemption and the promise of “God with us.” Learn how the minor-key melody captures our longing for restoration, how its lyrics draw from 29 different Bible passages, and how Emmanuel’s arrival transforms our grief into hope.

Main Takeaways / Learning Points

• Advent invites longing: The season begins with honest reflection on our need for a Savior before celebrating His arrival.

• Scripture weaves through song: The six verses of O Come, O Come Emmanuel reference nearly 30 Bible passages, from Isaiah’s prophecies to the Gospels.

• Exile and redemption: Israel’s captivity mirrors humanity’s spiritual exile—and Emmanuel’s coming brings true homecoming.

• God with us today: Jesus’ name, Emmanuel, assures us that we are never alone. His presence transforms sorrow, fear, and uncertainty into peace and courage.

• Worship deepens memory: When we sing truth, it roots in our hearts—anchoring our minds to God’s promises long after the song ends.

Bible Verse References (linked)

• Isaiah 7:14 — “The virgin will conceive... and call him Emmanuel.”

• Isaiah 35:10 — “The ransomed of the Lord will return to Zion with singing.”

• Isaiah 9:2 — “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

• Luke 1:78–79 — “The dayspring from on high has visited us.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:54–57 — “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

• Galatians 4:4 — “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.”

Calls to Action (CTAs)

• Download Nicole’s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: nicoleunice.com/christmas

• Subscribe to How to Study the Bible for more Advent reflections.

• Share this episode with friends or your small group to spark hope-filled conversation.

• Follow Nicole on YouTube for video versions and bonus reflections each week.

Relevant Links / Resources

• NicoleUnice.com/christmas — for a Free Family Liturgy

• LifeAudio.com — Explore other faith-based podcasts

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.