Christmas Eve: First Light

Christmastide: Beholding The Light

In this special Christmastide episode, we reflect on the significance of Christmastide, the period following Advent, emphasizing the arrival of light and the importance of waiting with hope, peace, joy, and love. The episode introduces the practice of Lectio Divina, a method of engaging with scripture that encourages listeners to be present with God and to contemplate His word. Through guided readings, listeners are invited to reflect on their personal experiences and to recognize God’s movements in their lives during this festive season. Takeaways * Light has come, and the darkness is subsiding. * Christmastide is a time to relish the reality of Jesus’ arrival. * We wait with hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus has brought. * Practicing presence with God is essential during this season. * Lectio Divina allows us to engage deeply with scripture. * The goal of Lectio Divina is to listen and be present, not to analyze. * Opening ourselves to God’s presence can transform our experience. * Taking time to contemplate scripture can reveal personal insights. * The practice of reflection helps us notice God’s movements in our lives. * As we celebrate, we keep watch for where light is breaking through. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. To purchase an NLT Bible, please visit https://amzn.to/3wUpUef [https://amzn.to/3wUpUef] Photo: Johannes Plenio (Pexels) Music: Epidemic Sound Voice over - Marie The Sacred Night - Martin Landh Walk in the Forest - Center of Attention Abide in Light - JOYSPRING Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast and Substack/blog are solely those of the podcast host and author in their personal capacity, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official policy or position of any person, agency, institution, organization, or entity that the owner (podcast host and author) may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions expressed are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Get in Touch You can follow me on Instagram: Whole Hearts Society You can leave comments and follow along there. Here on Substack, you can subscribe for free to receive updates on my podcast posts or leave me a comment: If you would like to leave me a voicemail message with a question, with thoughts on the 4 themes of Advent, this season, or to tell me more about your experience as we move through this journey together, you can do that at: Leave me a voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/WholeHeartsSociety] While I may not be able to include what you offer in this podcast as we move along since our time is a bit short, there may be opportunities next year in another project. Links and Quotes “John 1:1-5 The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world.” John 1 Commentary [https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/john/1.htm] Help, Thanks, Wow. By Anne Lamott [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/313149/help-thanks-wow-by-anne-lamott/9781594631290] Help, Thanks, Wow Summary [https://sobrief.com/books/help-thanks-wow] Related Bible Verses Lectio Divina Reading: John 1:1-5, 14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201&version=NLT] Playlist This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wholeheartssociety.substack.com [https://wholeheartssociety.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Christmas Eve: First Light

In this special Christmas Eve episode, we reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, and the journey of Mary and Joseph. The narrative explores the challenges faced by the holy family, the humble circumstances of Jesus’ arrival, and the joy brought to the shepherds. The episode invites listeners to embrace the light of Emmanuel, God with us, and to keep watch for the light in their own lives during this season. Takeaways God came to us unexpectedly in a vulnerable, dependent baby. Mary and Joseph’s journey was filled with uncertainty and faith. The birth of Jesus occurred in humble circumstances, reflecting his mission. The shepherds received the good news of Jesus’ birth with joy. Emmanuel means God with us, highlighting God’s closeness to humanity. The arrival of Jesus brings hope, peace, joy, and love. Listeners are invited to be present with their feelings this season. The tension of waiting for the second coming is acknowledged. Light has come into the world, and we are called to keep watch for it. The message of Christmas is inclusive, reaching the lowly and oppressed. Chapters 00:00 The Arrival of Hope 04:23 The Birth of Jesus 09:32 Experiencing Emmanuel Keywords Christmas, Emmanuel, hope, joy, peace, love, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, Advent, Christmas Eve Photo: Johannes Plenio (Pexels) Music: (Epidemic Sound) Pictures - Across the Great Valley The Sacred Night - Martin Landh Holding on to Hope - Megan Wofford A Secret Way - DEX 1200 O Holy Night (Guitar Version) - Kim Aspen Godsend - Johannes Bornlof Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast and Substack/blog are solely those of the podcast host and author in their personal capacity, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official policy or position of any person, agency, institution, organization, or entity that the owner (podcast host and author) may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions expressed are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Get in Touch You can follow me on Instagram: Whole Hearts Society You can leave comments and follow along there. Here on Substack, you can subscribe for free to receive updates on my podcast posts or leave me a comment: If you would like to leave me a voicemail message with a question, with thoughts on the 4 themes of Advent, this season, or to tell me more about your experience as we move through this journey together, you can do that at: Leave me a voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/WholeHeartsSociety] While I may not be able to include what you offer in this podcast as we move along since our time is a bit short, there may be opportunities next year in another project. Related Bible Verses Luke 2:1-20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%202:1-20&version=NLT]- The Birth of Jesus Playlist This is a beautiful and haunting Christmas carol that is considered the oldest in Canada, and has a history in the colonization of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. Written by a Jesuit priest in the 1600’s to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to the Huron - Wendat people in their own language and context and was combined with a French melody. Eventually it was translated to French and English (see caption of the second video). Reconciliation is important on the path to peace and so I first offer a rendition with lyrics in the video that reflect the Huron - Wendat people, written by Dana Lynn Seaborn. Followed by a version in it’s original form with English subtitles. If you click on the gear icon (settings), you can change the captions to Aramaic and see the words they are singing. Let’s also remember that while this is a lovely presentation of women singing Mary’s words, Mary was not a white woman with blue eyes. Her complexion was likely darker - brown/olive, and she probably also had dark hair and darker eyes. Jesus wasn’t white, and neither was his mom! 😊 👶🏽🤰🏽 *Further disclaimer: I have no official affiliation with any person, artist, creator, entity, or organization I have mentioned, linked to, or quoted. I enjoy a wide variety of works and seek to share them under fair use and legal means. The podcast and any information contained is the culmination of many hours of digging curiously for resources on the topics at hand, writing, editing (including assistance from AI for more the cognitive tasks I find challenging currently). I have received no financial award or support for the expressed purposes of creating any of this work and I give it to the broader community as a gift and an offering. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wholeheartssociety.substack.com [https://wholeheartssociety.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 2. Hope - We’ve been waiting. Turn this around?

In this episode, we explore the theme of hope during the Advent season, discussing its significance and how it can be navigated amidst life’s challenges. The conversation delves into the nature of hope, the importance of active waiting, and the role of God in our lives, especially during difficult times. We reflect on personal stories and biblical examples that illustrate how hope can manifest in various forms, encouraging listeners to remain open to God’s presence and to keep watch for unexpected light in their lives. Takeaways Hope begins where we feel worn out and empty. Advent is a season of living between promise and fulfillment. Active waiting is essential in the journey of hope. God’s faithfulness is a foundation for our hope. Disappointment can lead to deeper trust in God. Living hopefully means being present in our lives. Hope can be a choice, even when feelings are absent. Suffering can lead to character growth and endurance. Recognizing God requires openness to disruption. We are invited to keep watch for hope in unexpected places. Chapters 00:00 The Beginning of Hope 02:04 Understanding Advent and Hope 04:06 Active Waiting and Trusting God 06:05 Navigating Disappointment and Disillusionment 08:05 The Nature of Hope 10:27 Choosing Hope in Suffering 11:49 Living Hopefully in Daily Life 14:43 Recognizing God in Unexpected Ways 16:35 Practicing Attunement to God’s Movement 18:52 Invitation to Keep Watch for Hope Keywords hope, Advent, faith, God, disappointment, resilience, presence, trust, community, healing All Photos: Johannes Plenio [https://j.plenio.de/] (Pexels) Voice over: Marie (Epidemic Sound) Music: (Epidemic Sound) Tranquility Lane and Curtains Drenched in Sunlight - Dawn, Dawn, Dawn December Nights - Martin Landh Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast and Substack/blog are solely those of the podcast host and author in their personal capacity, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official policy or position of any person, agency, institution, organization, or entity that the owner (podcast host and author) may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions expressed are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Get in Touch You can follow me on Instagram: Whole Hearts Society Here on Substack, you can subscribe for free to receive updates on my podcast posts or leave me a comment: If you would like to leave me a voicemail message with a question, with thoughts on the 4 themes of Advent, this season, or to tell me more about your experience as we move through this journey together, you can do that at: Leave me a voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/WholeHeartsSociety] While I may not be able to include what you offer in this podcast as we move along since our time is a bit short, there may be opportunities next year in another project. Related Bible Verses Psalm 42 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2042&version=NLT] (A psalm of lament that points toward hope). Psalm 39: 7 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2039%3A7&version=NLT] Psalm 130:5 (NIV) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20130:5&version=NIV] Matthew 6:25-34 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34&version=NIV] Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011&version=MSG] Mark 5:21-34 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%205&version=NLT] Romans 8:23-2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A23-25&version=NLT]5 1 Peter 1:3-9 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%201%3A3-9&version=NIVUK] Links and Quotes Links to related topics of interest or that I mention in the podcast for further exploration, if you’re so inclined. Also citations. I hope you’ll enjoy engaging with people and ideas that may be different perspectives than yours and who have important and meaningful words to share with us. “Hope, on one hand, is an absurdity too embarrassing to speak about, for it flies in the face of all those claims we have been told are facts. Hope is the refusal to accept the reading of reality which is the majority opinion; and one does that only at great political and existential risk. On the other hand, hope is subversive, for it limits the grandiose pretension of the present, daring to announce that the present to which we have all made commitments is now called into question.” – Quote [https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/94307-the-prophetic-imagination]From The Prophetic Imagination - Walter Brueggemann And this week, some Hebrew and Greek! If you’re super curious, I’m providing links to concordances and lexicons in Hebrew and Greek that give very thorough explanations of the word “hope” and the context it’s used it. Tim Mackie of the Bible Project succinctly talks about them in The Bible Project video linked below. Hebrew - Old Testament - Hope qavah [https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6960.htm] https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6960.htm: קָוָה yachal [https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3176.htm] : יָחַל Greek - New Testament - Hope elpis [https://biblehub.com/greek/1680.htm] : ἐλπίς The Bible Project - Advent Word Study - Hope [https://bibleproject.com/guides/advent/#hope] The Bible Project - Advent Word Study Video - Hope [https://bibleproject.com/videos/yakhal-hope/] Lectio 365 App [https://lectio365.com/], Izwe Nkosi. (Dec. 8, 2025). Morning Prayer: The Unrecognized Jesus. Does God Feel Far Away? Here’s How to Find Hope in the Struggle. [https://www.logos.com/grow/does-god-feel-far-away-heres-how-to-find-hope-in-the-struggle/] What does Romans 5:4 mean? [https://www.bibleref.com/Romans/5/Romans-5-4.html] Playlist I will be providing some music to enhance your experience along with each episode. There will be a few more Christmasy but less popular or traditional songs mixed in, but most will be more focused on the themes of Advent and the content of the podcast to give us the space to walk through this journey before Christmas arrives. This next suggestion is a bit different. It’s very much a story about O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and also organs and chapels. The music (and story) I’m guiding you to start around 12:00. But you’ll miss the sheep (and more storytelling) if you skip that far ahead. 🐑 Bonus found song: At Evening Time It Shall Be Light 🕯️ *Further disclaimer: I have no official affiliation with any person, artist, creator, entity, or organization I have mentioned, linked to, or quoted. I enjoy a wide variety of works and seek to share them under fair use and legal means. The podcast and any information contained is the culmination of many hours of digging curiously for resources on the topics at hand, writing, editing (including assistance from AI for more the cognitive tasks I find challenging currently). I have received no financial award or support for the expressed purposes of creating any of this work and I give it to the broader community as a gift and an offering. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wholeheartssociety.substack.com [https://wholeheartssociety.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 1. Intro. to Advent: Silent Night? All is not Right.

Advent begins in the dark—both seasonally and personally. If this season feels more like surviving than celebrating, this episode is for you. Before we begin the four-week Advent journey, we explore what Advent actually is, why it matters that we face darkness honestly, and what it means to keep watch for the light. In this episode: * What is Advent and how is it practiced? (The Bible Project) * Why Advent begins in the dark * Steering toward the pain instead of denial (Fleming Rutledge) * The earth groans: we aren’t alone in our longing (Romans 8) * The tension we can’t ignore: Jesus was born in Bethlehem - occupied Palestine (Rev. Munther Isaac) * Justice and the holistic gospel (Joash Thomas) * How hard things become doorways to transformation * Understanding liminal space and inner transformation * Introduction to keeping watch: the practice for this Advent season Content Warning: This episode addresses suffering, violence, and current events including the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Please take care of yourself. Key Themes: Advent introduction, liturgical practice, already and not yet, watchful waiting, presence, Palestine and occupation, holistic gospel, colonialism, doorways and thresholds, liminal space, transformation, darkness and light Photo: Johannes Plenio (Pexels) Music: Epidemic Sound Tranquility Lane & Curtains Drenched in Sunlight - Dawn, Dawn, Dawn The Sacred Night - Martin Landh Dark Matter - Valter Nowak Envisage - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen Where Light Waits - Megan Wofford The Oak Tree - Jakob Ahlbom Ashes - Rachel Sandy Pictures - Across the Great Valley Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast and Substack/blog are solely those of the podcast host and author in their personal capacity, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official policy or position of any person, agency, institution, organization, or entity that the owner (podcast host and author) may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions expressed are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Donate Gaza If you are moved by what is happening to the Palestinian people, consider donating to an organization that is helping them. I know it can be hard sometimes to know where to send money. I’m not affiliated with any organizations, but I do know that the Mennonite Central Committee [https://mcc.org/] has a Give [https://mcc.org/get-involved/giving/designations/gaza-crisis-response]option for Gaza. This is a Canadian registered charity. I have provided the link for Gaza, but MCC does work around the world and you have the option to choose where you donate. Local When we talk about who Jesus came for and where we find him, consider donating your time or money to a local organization like a food bank, a shelter - for unhoused people, for women and children leaving dangerous situations, or small community organizations that take on many roles in supporting vulnerable people. Neighbours If you don’t have the resources to donate money, consider baking some cookies and delivering them to your neighbours. Or check in on someone you know is isolated. Send a few Christmas cards through the mail and bring some light to someone’s mailbox! Take someone you know is hurting this season, out for coffee, or visit them at home. There are lots of creative, free, and economical ways we can show up for others with love. 💛 Get in Touch You can follow me on Instagram: Whole Hearts Society [https://substack.com/profile/328893454-whole-hearts-society] You can leave comments and follow along there. Here on Substack, you can subscribe for free to receive updates on my podcast posts or leave me a comment: If you would like to leave me a voicemail message with a question, with thoughts on the 4 themes of Advent, this season, or to tell me more about your experience as we move through this journey together, you can do that at: Leave me a voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/WholeHeartsSociety] While I may not be able to include what you offer in this podcast as we move along since our time is a bit short, there may be opportunities next year in another project. Related Bible Verses If you are interested in reading more in the Bible related to each episode, or are looking for verses I reference, I will be providing a list each week. Psalm 36:9-10 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2036&version=NLT] (see footnote below for full passage) Matthew 2:1–18 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A1%E2%80%9318%20&version=NLT] Matthew 2:19-23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A19-23&version=NLT] Luke 4:18–19 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204%3A18%E2%80%9319&version=NLT] John 1:6-9 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A6-9&version=NLT] Romans 5:5 (NLT) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205%3A5%20&version=NLT] Romans 8:22-23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A22-23&version=NLT] (NLT) Links and Quotes I will provide links to related topics of interest or that I mention in the podcast for further exploration, if you’re so inclined (also as citations). These will be the work of others and will go deeper into something than I can. I hope you’ll enjoy engaging with people who may have different perspectives than yours and who have important and meaningful words to share with us. Christ in the Rubble: A Liturgy of Lament [https://redletterchristians.org/2023/12/23/christ-in-the-rubble-a-liturgy-of-lament/] By Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac (December 23, 2023) Posted by Red Letter Christians Christ in the Rubble [https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802885548/christ-in-the-rubble/] Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza [https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802885548/christ-in-the-rubble/] Book By Munther Isaac [https://www.eerdmans.com/author/munther-isaac] Fleming Rutledge on the Promise and Purpose of Advent [https://www.logos.com/grow/fleming-rutledge-advent/] By Jennifer Grisham (November 12, 2024) Posted by Logos.com Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ [https://www.logos.com/product/164741/advent-the-once-and-future-coming-of-jesus-christ] (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 251. Joash Thomas - The Justice of Jesus [https://www.joashpthomas.com/book-promo] How Colonization Has Shaped The Western Church To Resist Justice with Joash P. Thomas - Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast (David Santistevan) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E99qoYdZpVo] Liminal Space [https://cac.org/daily-meditations/liminal-space/]- Centre for Action and Contemplation Advent - The Bible Project [https://bibleproject.com/advent/] 💛 They have so many Advent (and other) resources at the Bible Project that are fantastic. I learned so much from their videos and will be citing them as a resource I looked to for every episode. Their work is both succinct and visual. They also have other resources, including a Devotional through the Bible App, to further your Advent practice. If you’re looking for the solid Biblical foundations of Advent, this is a good option. “The gospel is fiction when judged by the empire, but the empire is fiction when judged by the gospel” (The Word Militant, p. 26). -Walter Brueggemann As of recording the latest news: Associated Press [https://apnews.com/article/west-bank-israel-refugee-camps-hrw-79d231fd15170ef095afdf6090197fc2] - Israel plans to seize historical site in the West Bank as a new settlement appears Al Jazeera [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/12/4/live-gaza-mourns-victims-of-israeli-genocide-that-never-really-ended] - Israel kills Palestinian civilians in Gaza as it bombs Lebanon Playlist I will be providing some music to enhance your experience along with each episode. There will be a few more Christmasy but less popular or traditional songs mixed in, but most will be more focused on the themes of Advent and the content of the podcast to give us the space to walk through this journey before Christmas arrives. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wholeheartssociety.substack.com [https://wholeheartssociety.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Podcast Trailer

New Podcast! If the Christmas season doesn’t feel like sugarplums and snowflakes, this Advent journey is for you. This limited series podcast from Whole Hearts Society is for anyone who feels like they can’t meet anyone’s seasonal expectations, who can’t participate in the cheerfulness of the season, who’s watching everyone else’s excitement with confusion, or who feels completely alone in their struggle during what’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” Over four weeks, we’ll practice keeping watch for the light—training our eyes to see God’s presence in the ordinary, the small, and the unexpected. We’ll walk through the traditional Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—but not as cheerful demands. Instead, we’ll explore them as honest doorways into the tension between God’s promises and our lived reality. We’ll face the darkness courageously, acknowledge the hard emotions, and practice presence with what is—while looking toward transformation and the coming of Jesus. This podcast is for: * People struggling and needing to know they aren’t alone * Those experiencing grief, loss, or hardship during the holidays * Anyone who feels disconnected from traditional Christmas celebrations * People seeking contemplative, honest spiritual content * Those who want to observe Advent meaningfully without toxic positivity and being overwhelmed by Christmas content Hosted by Erika McMullin and drawing on a wide variety of trusted sources, human experience, and exploration of traditions. New episodes every week through Advent. Photo: Johannes Plenio (Pexels) Music: Tranquility Lane - Dawn, Dawn, Dawn (Epidemic Sound) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wholeheartssociety.substack.com [https://wholeheartssociety.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]