The Heart of Christmas: A Biblical Reflection

EPISODE 28

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In the midst of the lights, music, and busy schedules, it’s easy to forget what Christmas is truly about.

In this special Christmas devotional episode, we pause to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas through a biblical lens—why Jesus came, what His birth means for us today, and how we can carry that truth into every season.

Whether you’re listening by the tree or on a quiet walk, this episode is an invitation to slow down and center your heart on Christ.

So often we paint Christmas with images of perfection. Perfect decor, perfect family photos, perfectly baked cookies. But the first Christmas was anything but perfect on the outside. A dirty stable, a frantic couple, a world oppressed in waiting. Yet God stepped into that imperfect world to rescue imperfect people. That includes me, and that includes you.
~ Adriane Stuebs

**Listen to Higher Hope Episode 28**

Who’s in this Episode?

adriane stuebs host of higher hope podcast — *Higher Hope* podcast host, Adriane Stuebs, discusses real life, real people, real faith, and real hope.

Adriane Stuebs – Podcast Host, Owner of Shine Realty

Christmas isn’t the story of people climbing up to God, of doing what’s right, of doing enough, or anything like that.
Christmas is the story of God coming down to us. Meeting us in our imperfection with his perfection. Meeting our failures with his forgiveness. And meeting our fears with his peace.
~ Adriane Stuebs

Scripture Inspiration

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” -Genesis 3:15

Genesis 3:15 is where God speaks the first gospel promise, a promise that one day someone would come to crush the serpent’s head…it’s the first whisper of Christmas. A promise that God himself would undo what sin had done.
~ Adriane Stuebs

“In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to be registered with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” –Luke 2:1-14

God could’ve abandoned his creation. He could have walked away from his people that chose rebellion. But instead He loved. He promised. And He acted.
~ Adriane Stuebs

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,” -Galatians 4:4

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! -Psalm 95:6

How can I respond to such a love for a Father who sent his Son to be born to die for me? I know it’s not more gifts under the tree. It’s not a Pinterest-perfect home. It’s not with matching PJs. Those things are fun, but they’re not worship.
~ Adriane Stuebs

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” -Matthew 28:19

“We love because he first loved us.” -1 John 4:19

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” -Matthew 28:19

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” -Romans 12:1

We had no HOPE unless He came to our rescue. A perfect Savior was sent into this imperfect world at a perfect time for us…The manger lead to the cross, and the cross leads to eternal life through Jesus.
~ Adriane Stuebs

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” -Ephesians 4:32

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

Biblical Ways We Can Respond to God’s Love at Christmas (and always)

Worship with joy. Gather with believers. Sing with joy. Psalm 95:6
Share the good news. Invite someone to church. Matthew 28:19
Serve others with love. Look for those who are hurting or lonely or need help. 1 John 4:19
Repent. Acknowledge your sins and turn back in faith for forgiveness. Acts 3:19
Offer our life as a living sacrifice. Offer your time, talents, resources. Romans 12:1

We have such a loving God, one who keeps his promises. Who steps into our darkness with his light and gives us HOPE that nothing or no one can steal.
~ Adriane Stuebs

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**About the Higher Hope Podcast**

Higher Hope shares heartfelt conversations with everyday people–moms, professionals, creatives–who live out their faith in every season of life. Whether you’re walking through a season of uncertainty or simply seeking inspiration, this show is here to uplift and remind you that hope is never out of reach.

Tune in and join a growing community grounded in faith, strengthened by stories, and united by the unwavering power of hope.

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