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127 | How to Keep Your Faith Alive During the Holidays: Hebrews Will Encourage Your Soul

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Essential Oil Practitioner • Season 2

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What if wonder didn’t fade after the Christmas lights come down, but deepened with every step you take? We open Hebrews and find a breathtaking view of Jesus: the Word of God, the great high priest, and the source of joy that steadies real life in a busy season. This isn’t abstract theology; it’s an invitation to trade drift for devotion and hustle for holy rest.

In this episode, we explore the core promise of Hebrews: Jesus offered Himself once for all. There's no more scrambling for worth or carrying quiet shame. With stories from daily life and the Hall of Faith, we show how belief turns into action through small, concrete choices—inviting a friend, forgiving quickly, choosing patience in the checkout line. Along the way, we unpack two powerful Greek words—“leitourgos” (λειτουργός)  and “teleioō” (τελειόω) —that enlarge our view of Christ as our High Priest who serves with divine purpose, authority, and devotion—the One who perfects and sanctifies believers. This Greek word study provides practical hope you can feel, right where you live.

Perseverance and community tie it all together as we talk about fixing our eyes on Jesus when attention is thin, letting Scripture train our senses, and building simple rhythms that fit frantic schedules. Discover how the call to spiritual maturity shows up in our tone and habits, enriched by biblical encouragement and guided through devotions. We highlight the contrast between old and new covenants and the steady joy set before us that reframes both success and setback. If you’re longing for calm, clarity, and a faith that breathes through ordinary moments, you’ll find courage and comfort here.

Ready to breathe again and grow with others? Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs peace today, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Then join our Bible Study Circle at EssentialFaithJourney.com and keep the wonder going.

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Paula Behrens:

Have you ever stopped to just marvel at the fact that God became one with us? That the Creator of the universe, the Eternal Word, stepped into our messy, beautiful world as a tiny baby? That truth alone should make our hearts leap. And yet sometimes life gets busy, our faith feels routine, and we forget to stop and soak in the wonder of Jesus. If that sounds like you, Hebrews is the perfect letter to dive into this season. It's a letter that reminds us how glorious, how sufficient, and how joy-filled our Savior truly is. Okay, stick around until the end because I want to invite you to our Bible study circle where we celebrate, reflect, and encourage each other as we walk with Christ together.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos, there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Are you finding it difficult to figure out where God is leading you through the whirlwind of daily life? Perhaps, like me, you had moments of doubt, surprise encounters, and maybe even a bit of overwhelm along the way. Well, if that resonates with you and you're yearning for clarity, peace, and faith-focused encouragement, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, ever wonder how the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour uses pure natural scents to bring calm and clarity into your faith walk? Let me give you a quick overview. Before our session, you'll get a free essential oil sampler in the mail, carefully selected aromas to use on our call together, where we'll dive into the peace reset. First, I'll guide you through using these soothing aromas to ease emotional stress, quiet your mind, and align your heart with God's peace in just minutes. Then we'll spend a little time cultivating a simple rhythm that fits seamlessly into your busy life. Small steps that add up without overwhelming your day. By the end, you'll feel refreshed, equipped, and ready to embrace more balance and faith as the mind connects the power of a pure and natural aroma with a deep sense of God's peace. Give yourself room to breathe. Head on over now to PaulaBehrens.com/coaching to book your spot. That's Paula Behrens, B-E-H-R-E-N-S .com/coaching (no spaces). It's time to take that simple step toward a calmer, more connected you. All right, let's get started. Grab your coffee, open your Bible, take a deep breath, and let's walk through this letter together.

Paula Behrens:

Hebrews can feel intimidating at first glance. It's rich with theology, historical connections, and deep truths. But here's the secret. It was written for ordinary people, just like you and me, people who might feel weary, distracted, or tempted to drift in their faith. And that's exactly why it's still so relevant today. Especially now as we celebrate God stepping into our world, Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is not only better, he is absolutely enough. He is superior, sufficient, and full of grace. And that is joyful news for our hearts.

Paula Behrens:

From the very beginning, Hebrews makes a bold, awe-inspiring declaration. God has spoken to us through His Son, not a little, not occasionally, but fully and completely. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's heart and glory. Everything in the Old Testament, the sacrifices, the law, the prophets, pointed forward to him. And now in Christ, God has shown his love in the most personal, tangible way imaginable. This Christmas season is a wonderful time to reflect on this truth. The same God who made the stars and called the universe into being chose to wrap himself in flesh, live among us, and show us the way to him. Hebrews makes this profound truth shine in a way that stirs awe and gratitude in our hearts.

Paula Behrens:

Early on, this letter offers a gentle but urgent warning, saying, Do not drift away. You know, faith isn't passive, it's active, joyful, and alive. Life, especially with all its distractions, work, family, social media, deadlines, can lure our hearts into routine. But Hebrews pulls us back with the simple reminder, fix your eyes on Jesus, celebrate him, let him transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Especially in this season of Christmas lights, music, and memories, Hebrews invites us to pause and remember, the Savior of the world is with us, guiding us, loving us, and inviting us into a life full of hope and joy.

Paula Behrens:

A central theme in Hebrews is Jesus as our great high priest. Unlike the priest of the Old Testament, who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered himself once for all. His sacrifice is perfect, complete, and eternal. And isn't that amazing? We don't have to strive endlessly to earn God's favor. We don't have to worry or carry shame. Jesus has already done the work. Our role is to trust him, to rest in his grace, and to live in a way that reflects his love. During Christmas, it's incredible to think that the baby in the manger grew to become the perfect high priest, serving us, loving us, and making a way for us to come boldly to God. That means that we are invited not only to walk with him, but also to witness for him. Even in our smallest acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor or showing patience with family or sharing an encouraging word, even these small acts of kindness mirror the heart of Jesus in tangible ways. That's how we can live out our faith boldly today, which brings us to chapter 11, the Hall of Faith.

Paula Behrens:

This amazing chapter highlights ordinary people who trusted God even when the odds were impossible. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses. Their faith was not passive. It was lived, breathed, and practiced every day. This is our invitation too. Faith isn't just intellectual belief, it's action, obedience, and courage. It might look like inviting a friend to church, speaking truth with love in a difficult situation, or choosing patience and generosity in our home. Hebrew shows that faith is a daily adventure, full of awe, wonder, and joy, even in the middle of ordinary life.

Paula Behrens:

Let's pause for a deeper dive into the Greek because the original language of the New Testament can deepen our sense of understanding. One key word is “leitourgos” (λειτουργός), “leitourgos,” which is often translated as minister or servant. And here in Hebrews chapter 8, verse 2, we see that it refers to Jesus as our high priest who is ministering in the True tabernacle which the Lord set up, not man. In this case, we see that this word doesn't just mean someone who is performing duties in the sanctuary. It carries a sense of serving with divine purpose, authority, and devotion. When you think about Jesus as the ultimate “leitourgos” (λειτουργός), it evokes awe and amazement as we realize that the Creator of the universe chose to serve humanity, interceding on our behalf with perfect care and intentionality. Our God is not a distant God. He is active, involved, and tenderly serving us, offering his life completely for our redemption.

Paula Behrens:

Another powerful Greek word is “teleioō” (τελειόω), “teleioō,” translated as he has perfected in Hebrews 10:14, which says, For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. This verb communicates the idea of bringing to completion, making fully sufficient, and accomplishing perfectly. Jesus' sacrifice is not partial or temporary, it is complete, sufficient, and eternal. Nothing is lacking. Teleioō” (τελειόω), reminds us that through him we are fully accepted, fully reconciled, and fully loved by God. Together, leitourgos (λειτουργός) and teleioō (τελειόω), give us a breathtaking picture of Jesus. He is a devoted high priest serving us with divine purpose, and his sacrifice has fully accomplished what we could never do on our own. And really, to think that we as Holy Spirit-filled followers of Jesus, to think that we have the ability to echo just a fraction of the devotion that Jesus demonstrated through things like practicing patience or sharing a simple act of kindness in his name is just amazing. I don't know about you, but simply knowing this truth causes me to pause and marvel at the goodness of our God even more.

Paula Behrens:

Okay, a couple more key themes in this letter are perseverance and community. You know, life can be tiring and full of setbacks, but we are called to run with endurance and keep our eyes on Jesus. Even in busy seasons, He is our strength, encouragement, and joy. Community matters too. Hebrews urges us to encourage one another and not give up meeting together. Faith thrives in connection. Even if we are feeling alone, God invites us to build each other up. Small gestures, checking in, praying, celebrating victories, they all carry eternal significance. Hebrews contrast the old and the new covenants. The old covenant required repeated sacrifices, highlighting humans' shortcomings. But Jesus, through his sacrifice, ushers in the new covenant, which is perfect, eternal, and freeing. That means that we can approach God with confidence, not fear. And of course, Christmas is the perfect season to reflect on this grace. God with us, Emmanuel, entering our world in humility and awe-inspiring love.

Paula Behrens:

Spiritual maturity is another beautiful and challenging focus in Hebrews. The author gently but honestly contrasts spiritual infants who still need milk with mature believers who are ready for solid food. This isn't meant to shame anyone. It's an invitation. God isn't rushing us, but he is inviting us to move forward. He wants us to grow, to stretch, to move beyond a surface-level faith into a living, breathing relationship with Him. Hebrews reminds us that maturity doesn't mean knowing more facts about God. It means trusting Him more deeply and responding to Him more faithfully. Spiritual maturity shows up in the way we engage with Scripture. Instead of skimming for quick comfort, we begin to wrestle with God's Word, letting it challenge us, correct us, and shape us. We learn to sit with hard passages, to pray through questions, and to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Paula Behrens:

This kind of growth doesn't happen overnight. It unfolds slowly through consistency, humility, and a willingness to let God work in us. And there's something awe-filled about realizing that the same God who spoke the universe into existence is personally shaping our hearts through His Word. Hebrews also makes it clear that maturity is deeply practical. It shows up in everyday choices, not just spiritual moments. It's reflected in how we speak to our loved ones when we're tired, how we handle stress when plans fall apart, and how we respond when we're misunderstood or disappointed. Mature faith learns to pause before reacting, to choose grace over frustration, and to trust God even when emotions run high. These small, unseen decisions are often where real spiritual growth happens.

Paula Behrens:

During the Christmas season, especially, this kind of maturity takes on a beautiful form. Ordinary tasks, preparing a meal, wrapping gifts, sending cards, hosting guests, or even standing in a long checkout line become opportunities to reflect Christ. When done with love, patience, and gratitude, these moments become acts of worship. Hebrews reminds us that faith isn't confined to church services or quiet time alone with God. It is woven into the rhythm of everyday life, transforming the ordinary into something holy and joy-filled. But your faith also carries a sense of awe. It recognizes that growth itself is a gift. The more we grow, the more we realize how deeply God loves us and how faithfully He is working within us. There is wonder in knowing that God is not finished with us, that He is patiently shaping our hearts, refining our character, and drawing us closer to Himself. Hebrews reassures us that this kind of faith is alive, active, and deeply rooted in hope. In the end, spiritual maturity in Hebrews is not about perfection, it's about progress. It's about continuing to say yes to God one step at a time, trusting Him to lead us forward. As we grow, our lives quietly become testimonies, living invitations for others to see the beauty, joy, and awe of walking closely with Christ.

Paula Behrens:

Hope also runs throughout this letter. Chapter 6 encourages believers to hold fast to the hope set before them. This is not just wishful thinking, it's confidence in God's faithfulness. Even in holiday busyness, hope in Jesus brings stability, peace, and delight. The shepherds, Mary and Joseph, experience hope at His birth, and the same joy is alive for us today. God's discipline is also a sign of love. Challenges refine and shape us, not punish us. With this perspective, we can face struggles with gratitude, trust, and awe, knowing God is shaping us to reflect his glory.

Paula Behrens:

Finally, Hebrews points us to the ultimate joy. Chapter 12 urges us to look to the joy set before us as Jesus did through the cross. Life with Christ has struggles, but every act of obedience, every act of love, and every act of faith matters. This Christmas we celebrate not only His birth, but the joy, hope, and awe His presence brings now, making even the smallest of ordinary moments extraordinary.

Paula Behrens:

If this episode has touched your heart in one way or another, I want to invite you personally to come hang out with us. You know, you don't have to study alone. You can always jump into our Bible study circle at EssentialfaithJourney.com. That's Essential Faith Journey.com (no spaces). This is a place where we reflect, rejoice, and grow together. It's a space for questions, insights, encouragement, and practical application. Whether you work from home, homeschool, or simply want meaningful connections, this is your chance to deepen your faith, marvel at the wonder of Jesus, and live joyfully for Him. Okay, hope to see you there.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more listening like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His Wisdom. See you next time.

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Paula Behrens

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