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

Jesus didn&rsquo;t just come to teach us or inspire us; He came to reconcile us to God. In this Advent episode, Nicole explores&nbsp;Hark! The Herald Angels Sing&mdash;one of the most beloved Christmas hymns&mdash;and reveals how richly it is woven with Scripture. With more than 34 direct biblical references, Charles Wesley&rsquo;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&rsquo;s angelic announcement to Romans 5&rsquo;s explanation of reconciliation, this episode unpacks why this hymn is actually a lyrical theology lesson celebrating Christ&rsquo;s mission to redeem humanity.
<hr data-start="1252" data-end="1255">
Main Takeaways:
<ul data-start="1302" data-end="1783">
<li data-start="1302" data-end="1384">
Why this Christmas hymn is actually a full retelling of the Gospel message
</li>
<li data-start="1385" data-end="1457">
How Luke 2 connects to the angels&rsquo; proclamation of peace and joy
</li>
<li data-start="1458" data-end="1533">
What &ldquo;God and sinners reconciled&rdquo; truly means according to Romans 5
</li>
<li data-start="1534" data-end="1627">
The significance of Christ &ldquo;laying His glory by&rdquo; and becoming fully God and fully man
</li>
<li data-start="1628" data-end="1696">
Why being &ldquo;born again&rdquo; is the heart of the Christmas message
</li>
<li data-start="1697" data-end="1783">
How Jesus brings spiritual life that cannot die&mdash;even when our physical bodies do
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1785" data-end="1788">
📖 Bible Verses Mentioned (Linked to BibleStudyTools.com)
<ul>
<li data-start="1859" data-end="1965">Luke 2:8&ndash;14 &mdash; Angelic announcement of Christ&rsquo;s birth</li>
<li data-start="1969" data-end="2067">Romans 5:1&ndash;11 &mdash; God and sinners reconciled</li>
<li data-start="2071" data-end="2172">Isaiah 7:14 &mdash; Prophecy of the virgin birth</li>
<li data-start="2176" data-end="2292">Isaiah 9:6 &mdash; Christ as Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace</li>
<li data-start="2296" data-end="2386">John 1:1&ndash;14 &mdash; The Word becomes flesh</li>
<li data-start="2390" data-end="2498">Philippians 2:5&ndash;11 &mdash; Christ &ldquo;lays His glory by&rdquo;</li>
<li data-start="2502" data-end="2623">Malachi 4:2 &mdash; &ldquo;Sun of Righteousness&rdquo; with healing in His wings</li>
<li data-start="2627" data-end="2740">John 11:25&ndash;26 &mdash; &ldquo;Whoever believes in me will never die&rdquo;</li>
<li data-start="2744" data-end="2821">John 3:1&ndash;8 &mdash; Born again</li>
<li data-start="2825" data-end="2949">Matthew 9:1&ndash;8 &mdash; Jesus heals the paralytic (spiritual healing first)</li>
</ul>
Want More?
<ul>
<li data-start="3381" data-end="3442">Subscribe to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice</li>
<li data-start="3445" data-end="3520">Leave a rating or review to help other listeners discover the podcast</li>
<li data-start="3523" data-end="3623">Download Nicole&rsquo;s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/christmas/" data-start="3584" data-end="3621">https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas</a></li>
<li data-start="3626" data-end="3688">Join Nicole&rsquo;s newsletter for Bible resources and updates</li>
<li data-start="3691" data-end="3755">Share this episode with a friend who loves Christmas music</li>
</ul>

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do! But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 
Topics covered in this podcast:
💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible 💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life 💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!) 💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more 💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life 💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture
To find more from Nicole, visit <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>.

How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible Study Lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and More
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do! But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 
Topics covered in this podcast:
💡 Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible 💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life 💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!) 💡 Topical Bible Study Lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and More 💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life 💡 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture
To find more from Nicole, visit <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>.

How To Study The Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

God and Sinners Reconciled: The Deep Theology behind 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' 

Why does O Holy Night move us so deeply? In this Advent episode, Nicole Unice walks through the biblical and theological foundations of one of the most powerful Christmas hymns ever written. Originally penned as a poem and later set to music by a Jewish composer, O Holy Night captures the longing of a broken world and the radical hope of Christ’s arrival. Nicole traces the hymn’s themes—human helplessness, soul-deep worth, freedom for the captive, and the proper response of worship—back to Scripture, helping listeners slow down, reflect, and experience the Gospel anew during the Christmas season.

Listeners will:


Discover why Christmas hymns carry such emotional and spiritual power


Learn how O Holy Night reflects the entire Gospel story


Understand why Jesus enters human weakness instead of waiting for human effort


Explore the meaning of “the soul felt its worth” in light of Scripture


See how freedom in Christ is both personal and social


Be invited to reflect on how the incarnation changes the way we live today

Listener Reflection Questions


Do I live like this is true—that my soul has worth?


Do I live like this is true of others as well?


What is one small step I could take this season to live as if this truth really matters?

Nicole also invites listeners to personally sit with and reflect on this phrase from O Holy Night:

“The soul felt its worth.” What would it look like to make this personal—“my soul felt its worth”?

📖 Bible Verse References (Linked)

All Scripture links point to BibleStudyTools.com:


Matthew 2:1–2 — The star and the birth of Christ
https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/2.html


Romans 5:6 — Christ comes when we are helpless
https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/5-6.html


1 John 4:9 — God shows the worth of our souls
https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-john/4-9.html


Luke 4:18 — Freedom for captives
https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-18.html


Philippians 2:10–11 — Every knee will bow
https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/2.html


Genesis 1:27 — Created with dignity and worth
https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/1-27.html

 

Next Steps:


⭐ Leave a five-star rating or review on your podcast platform


📩 Subscribe to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice


🎄 Download the free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy:
👉 https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas


📲 Share this episode with someone who loves Christmas music


🕯 Use this episode as a personal or family Advent reflection

Why does&nbsp;O Holy Night move us so deeply? In this Advent episode, Nicole Unice walks through the biblical and theological foundations of one of the most powerful Christmas hymns ever written. Originally penned as a poem and later set to music by a Jewish composer, O Holy Night captures the longing of a broken world and the radical hope of Christ&rsquo;s arrival. Nicole traces the hymn&rsquo;s themes&mdash;human helplessness, soul-deep worth, freedom for the captive, and the proper response of worship&mdash;back to Scripture, helping listeners slow down, reflect, and experience the Gospel anew during the Christmas season.
Listeners will:
<ul data-start="1599" data-end="2037">
<li data-start="1599" data-end="1674">
Discover why Christmas hymns carry such emotional and spiritual power
</li>
<li data-start="1675" data-end="1738">
Learn how O Holy Night reflects the entire Gospel story
</li>
<li data-start="1739" data-end="1823">
Understand why Jesus enters human weakness instead of waiting for human effort
</li>
<li data-start="1824" data-end="1900">
Explore the meaning of &ldquo;the soul felt its worth&rdquo; in light of Scripture
</li>
<li data-start="1901" data-end="1960">
See how freedom in Christ is both personal and social
</li>
<li data-start="1961" data-end="2037">
Be invited to reflect on how the incarnation changes the way we live today
</li>
</ul>
Listener Reflection Questions
<ul data-start="243" data-end="454">
<li data-start="243" data-end="302">
Do I live like this is true&mdash;that my soul has worth?
</li>
<li data-start="303" data-end="357">
Do I live like this is true of others as well?
</li>
<li data-start="358" data-end="454">
What is one small step I could take this season to live as if this truth really matters?
</li>
</ul>
Nicole also invites listeners to personally sit with and reflect on this phrase from O Holy Night:
&ldquo;The soul felt its worth.&rdquo; What would it look like to make this personal&mdash;&ldquo;my soul felt its worth&rdquo;?
<hr data-start="2039" data-end="2042">
📖 Bible Verse References (Linked)
All Scripture links point to BibleStudyTools.com:
<ul data-start="2137" data-end="2755">
<li data-start="2137" data-end="2242">
Matthew 2:1&ndash;2 &mdash; The star and the birth of Christ <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/2.html" data-start="2196" data-end="2242">https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/2.html</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2244" data-end="2348">
Romans 5:6 &mdash; Christ comes when we are helpless <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/5-6.html" data-start="2301" data-end="2348">https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/5-6.html</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2350" data-end="2453">
1 John 4:9 &mdash; God shows the worth of our souls <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-john/4-9.html" data-start="2406" data-end="2453">https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-john/4-9.html</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2455" data-end="2544">
Luke 4:18 &mdash; Freedom for captives <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-18.html" data-start="2498" data-end="2544">https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-18.html</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2546" data-end="2648">
Philippians 2:10&ndash;11 &mdash; Every knee will bow <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/2.html" data-start="2598" data-end="2648">https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/2.html</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2650" data-end="2755">
Genesis 1:27 &mdash; Created with dignity and worth <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/1-27.html" data-start="2706" data-end="2755">https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/1-27.html</a>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2757" data-end="2760">
<blockquote data-start="2974" data-end="3050">
&nbsp;
</blockquote>
Next Steps:
<ul data-start="3086" data-end="3463">
<li data-start="3086" data-end="3155">
⭐ Leave a five-star rating or review on your podcast platform
</li>
<li data-start="3156" data-end="3222">
📩 Subscribe to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice
</li>
<li data-start="3223" data-end="3326">
🎄 Download the free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: 👉 <a data-start="3287" data-end="3324">https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas</a>
</li>
<li data-start="3327" data-end="3395">
📲 Share this episode with someone who loves Christmas music
</li>
<li data-start="3396" data-end="3463">
🕯 Use this episode as a personal or family Advent reflection
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3465" data-end="3468">

Do I Live Like My Soul Has Worth? The Theology of 'O Holy Night'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/9ac60278-016a-4d06-b96f-b3b3016986b3/transcript

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

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. &ldquo;His presence is all the preparation you need.&rdquo; She shares a striking insight from Mark 5/Luke 8&mdash;linking a 12-year illness and a 12-year-old girl&mdash;and offers a tender word for anyone hurting this Christmas: Jesus came to carry your griefs.
"Christmas is especially for you if you&rsquo;re hurting; Jesus came to carry your griefs.&rdquo;
What We Discuss:
Model &gt; 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 &amp; be faithful: Ministry often begins with a handful of people&mdash;dorm devos, a living-room group&mdash;long before books and microphones.
His presence prepares us: You can plan, but ultimately &ldquo;His presence is all the preparation you need&rdquo; when you teach or serve.
A double 12: A fresh reading of Mark 5/Luke 8 (woman hemorrhaging 12 years; Jairus&rsquo; 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&mdash;especially good news for a hard holiday season.
<hr data-start="2017" data-end="2020">
Bible Verse References (linked)
<ul data-start="2057" data-end="2531">
<li data-start="2057" data-end="2179">
<a data-start="2059" data-end="2140">Lamentations 3:22&ndash;23</a> &mdash; His mercies are new every morning.
</li>
<li data-start="2180" data-end="2412">
<a data-start="2182" data-end="2258">Mark 5:21&ndash;43</a> / <a data-start="2261" data-end="2337">Luke 8:40&ndash;56</a> &mdash; Jairus&rsquo; daughter &amp; the woman with the issue of blood (&ldquo;Talitha koum&rdquo;).
</li>
<li data-start="2413" data-end="2531">
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/53-4.html" data-start="2415" data-end="2478">Isaiah 53:4</a> &mdash; He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2533" data-end="2536">
Want More?
<ul data-start="2564" data-end="2958">
<li data-start="2564" data-end="2665">
Subscribe to How to Study the Bible and leave a rating/review to help others find the show.
</li>
<li data-start="2666" data-end="2761">
Connect with Carol: resources, books, and devotionals at <a href="CarolMcLeodMinistries.com">CarolMcLeodMinistries.com</a>.
</li>
<li data-start="2762" data-end="2855">
Discover Carol&rsquo;s YouVersion plans: search &ldquo;Carol McLeod&rdquo; in the YouVersion Bible app.
</li>
<li data-start="2856" data-end="2958">
Holiday help: check out Carol&rsquo;s Christmas devotional, <a href="https://www.carolmcleodministries.com/shop/p/let-there-be-joy-2">Let There Be Joy</a>.
</li>
<li>Check Out Carol's Podcast:&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/significant-women-with-carol-mcleod-carol-mcleod/id1500029875">The Significant Woman</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Download Nicole&rsquo;s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/christmas/" data-start="2826" data-end="2892">nicoleunice.com/christmas</a></li>
</ul>

Start Small, Stay Faithful: How Everyday Obedience Builds a Lifetime of Impact

“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

&ldquo;That deep ache you feel isn&rsquo;t something to fix&mdash;it&rsquo;s a holy longing for the Savior your soul was made to know.&rdquo; In this special Advent series kickoff, Nicole Unice invites listeners to rediscover the heart of one of the most beloved Christmas hymns,&nbsp;O Come, O Come Emmanuel. With a blend of Scripture, history, and reflection, Nicole explores how this ancient song&mdash;written over 1,200 years ago&mdash;echoes the human ache for redemption and the promise of &ldquo;God with us.&rdquo; Learn how the minor-key melody captures our longing for restoration, how its lyrics draw from 29 different Bible passages, and how Emmanuel&rsquo;s arrival transforms our grief into hope.
Main Takeaways / Learning Points
<ul data-start="1171" data-end="1895">
<li data-start="1171" data-end="1300">
Advent invites longing: The season begins with honest reflection on our need for a Savior before celebrating His arrival.
</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1460">
Scripture weaves through song: The six verses of O Come, O Come Emmanuel reference nearly 30 Bible passages, from Isaiah&rsquo;s prophecies to the Gospels.
</li>
<li data-start="1461" data-end="1590">
Exile and redemption: Israel&rsquo;s captivity mirrors humanity&rsquo;s spiritual exile&mdash;and Emmanuel&rsquo;s coming brings true homecoming.
</li>
<li data-start="1591" data-end="1756">
God with us today: Jesus&rsquo; name, Emmanuel, assures us that we are never alone. His presence transforms sorrow, fear, and uncertainty into peace and courage.
</li>
<li data-start="1757" data-end="1895">
Worship deepens memory: When we sing truth, it roots in our hearts&mdash;anchoring our minds to God&rsquo;s promises long after the song ends.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1897" data-end="1900">
Bible Verse References (linked)
<ul data-start="1943" data-end="2730">
<li data-start="1943" data-end="2065">
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/7-14.html" data-start="1945" data-end="2008">Isaiah 7:14</a> &mdash; &ldquo;The virgin will conceive... and call him Emmanuel.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="2066" data-end="2198">
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/35-10.html" data-start="2068" data-end="2133">Isaiah 35:10</a> &mdash; &ldquo;The ransomed of the Lord will return to Zion with singing.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="2199" data-end="2324">
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/9-2.html" data-start="2201" data-end="2262">Isaiah 9:2</a> &mdash; &ldquo;The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="2325" data-end="2452">
<a data-start="2327" data-end="2403">Luke 1:78&ndash;79</a> &mdash; &ldquo;The dayspring from on high has visited us.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="2453" data-end="2600">
<a data-start="2455" data-end="2560">1 Corinthians 15:54&ndash;57</a> &mdash; &ldquo;Death is swallowed up in victory.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="2601" data-end="2730">
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/4-4.html" data-start="2603" data-end="2670">Galatians 4:4</a> &mdash; &ldquo;When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2732" data-end="2735">
Calls to Action (CTAs)
<ul data-start="2767" data-end="3149">
<li data-start="2767" data-end="2894">
Download Nicole&rsquo;s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/christmas/" data-start="2826" data-end="2892">nicoleunice.com/christmas</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2895" data-end="2969">
Subscribe to How to Study the Bible for more Advent reflections.
</li>
<li data-start="2970" data-end="3064">
Share this episode with friends or your small group to spark hope-filled conversation.
</li>
<li data-start="3065" data-end="3149">
Follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice">Nicole on YouTube</a> for video versions and bonus reflections each week.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3151" data-end="3154">
Relevant Links / Resources
<ul data-start="3190" data-end="3435">
<li data-start="3190" data-end="3282">
<a href="https://nicoleunice.com/christmas/" data-start="3192" data-end="3258">NicoleUnice.com/christmas</a> &mdash; for a Free Family Liturgy
</li>
<li data-start="3283" data-end="3366">
<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com" data-start="3285" data-end="3327">LifeAudio.com</a> &mdash; Explore other faith-based podcasts
</li>
</ul>

God and Sinners Reconciled: The Deep Theology behind 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'

How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

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How To Study The Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

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