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.

“Suffering never has the final word; resurrection does.” This week, Nicole wraps our study of Daniel by tracing the shift from history to “end of the age” prophecy (Daniel 11:36–12:13). We explore the final clash between human arrogance and divine authority, the promise of resurrection, and how followers of Jesus live as citizens of an unshakable Kingdom right now—resisting “mini-empires” of self through humility, faith, and love. Practical reflection questions help listeners translate apocalyptic hope into everyday faithfulness.

Main Takeaways

• History → Hope: Daniel 11:36 marks a move from historical prophecy to a future, ultimate confrontation—yet God remains sovereign.

• Resurrection is central: Daniel 12 promises awakening “to everlasting life,” anchoring Christian hope beyond present trials.

• Faithful now: Wisdom is measured in faithfulness and righteousness, not conquest; we resist empire by daily obedience, love, and trust in Christ.

• Hold mystery with humility: Scripture gives what we need to live faithfully today, even when some details remain unresolved.

Bible Verse References:

• Daniel 11:36 — The willful king and human arrogance.

• Daniel 12:1–4 — Deliverance, resurrection, and wisdom that “shines.”

• Daniel 12:3 — Those who lead many to righteousness shine forever.

• Philippians 2:15 — Shine like stars.

• Hebrews 12:28 — Receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

• Matthew 11:28–30 — Jesus’ easy yoke.

Next Steps:

• Subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show.

• Download the free Daniel Study Guide: nicoleunice.com/daniel

• Watch the bonus “Digging Deeper” on YouTube about living faithfully in the age of empire.

• Share this episode with your small group.

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