“God often works in the quiet and the unexpected. The manger, the donkey’s colt—these weren’t accidents. They show us that true greatness lies not in power, but in humility, love, and sacrifice. That’s the heart of Christmas.”
– Mark Stouffer
As the Christmas season draws near, it’s easy to get swept up in the glitz and busyness of the holidays. Between the decorations, gifts, and celebrations, the deeper meaning of this season can sometimes feel distant. But author and Bible scholar Mark Stouffer reminds us that Christmas is about far more than tradition—it’s about humility, love, and God’s extraordinary plan for humanity. In this interview, Mark dives into the profound ways God revealed Himself through scripture, sharing insights from Zechariah 9:9 and the Christmas story that are sure to resonate with readers seeking inspiration during the holidays.
With over 40 years of studying the Bible and a growing collection of books connecting the Old Testament to Jesus, Mark brings a fresh perspective on faith and purpose. From discussing how God works in unexpected ways to encouraging us to embrace humility and service, Mark’s reflections are both enlightening and uplifting. Whether you’re familiar with scripture or new to exploring its depths, this conversation will encourage you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you so much for joining us, Mark! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
It’s always a pleasure to be here, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my story. I live in the Midwest, and I’ve spent most of my career working as an engineer. Engineering is all about precision, problem-solving, and logic, and it suited me perfectly—at least professionally. But years ago, after college, I started feeling like something was missing. Even though my career was on track, there was a void I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
That’s when God reached me. It wasn’t a big dramatic moment, but it was a profound one. I felt a sense of being found when I didn’t even realize I was lost. That pull to know Him better grew stronger, so I started reading the Bible. At first, I approached it like any other book, but it quickly turned into something more—a passion and a lifelong pursuit. I’ve been studying the Bible for over 40 years now, and it’s been the greatest journey of my life.
A few years ago, I felt a new calling. I kept coming back to John 5:39, where Jesus tells the religious leaders that the scriptures—the Old Testament—are about Him. That’s a bold statement. I thought, What if that’s really true? That question led me to write a series of books exploring the Old Testament and how it all points to Jesus. Writing those books has deepened my faith and shown me just how intentional God’s plan really is.
Today, you wanted to share a passage related to the holidays. Could you tell us about that?
Yes! With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to share a passage that’s deeply connected to the season. It’s from Zechariah 9:9, and it’s an incredible prophecy written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. The verse says: “Behold, your king is coming to you. He is just and endowed with salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
It might not seem significant at first glance, but it tells us so much about who Jesus is. Think about the Christmas story—Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a stable, laid in a manger, which is essentially a feeding trough for animals. That humble beginning wasn’t an accident. God deliberately chose it to reflect His values—humility, love, and peace.
Then fast forward to this prophecy: Zechariah describes Jesus entering Jerusalem, not on a warhorse or in a golden chariot like we’d expect, but on the colt of a donkey. That kind of entrance is almost unheard of for a king. But Jesus didn’t come to show off His power. He came to fulfill His mission of salvation, and He did it with humility and love.
Why do you think God chose such unexpected ways to reveal Himself?
That’s such a great question. I think God’s unexpected ways reveal something profound about Him. If we were writing the story, we’d have Jesus born in a royal palace, surrounded by servants and fanfare. That’s how the world defines power and greatness. But God isn’t bound by the world’s standards.
Instead, He chose humility. Jesus was born in a manger, and He rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey. Those choices tell us so much about God’s heart. He doesn’t seek outward displays of power; He seeks connection. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He came to heal, to love, and to invite us into relationship with Him.
It also challenges us to look beyond appearances. God often works in ways we don’t expect—through the small, the humble, and the overlooked. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t judge things by the world’s standards. True greatness lies in humility, service, and love.
What deeper meaning do you see in that prophecy from Zechariah?
Zechariah’s prophecy isn’t just about an event; it’s about a message. It’s about who Jesus is and what kind of King He came to be. When we think of kings, we picture power, wealth, and authority. But Jesus turned that upside down. He didn’t come to dominate; He came to save.
The image of Him riding a donkey’s colt shows His humility and His peace. In ancient times, kings would ride warhorses to display strength and victory in battle. By contrast, riding a donkey symbolized peace and service. Jesus was a King who came not to conquer kingdoms but to conquer hearts. He offered salvation, love, and forgiveness to everyone, no matter their status or background.
It also speaks to the intentionality of God’s plan. Zechariah wrote this prophecy hundreds of years before Jesus fulfilled it. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a powerful confirmation that God’s plan has always been in motion and that everything points back to Jesus.
How do you personally connect with this passage?
For me, this passage is a reminder of who God really is. I used to have a very narrow view of God. I thought of Him as distant, strict, and hard to approach. But when I read passages like this, I see a God who is humble, loving, and personal.
It also challenges me to reflect on my own life. Am I living with humility? Am I serving others the way Jesus did? This passage pushes me to remember that greatness isn’t found in power or success—it’s found in love, kindness, and humility.
With Christmas approaching, what do you hope people take away from this conversation?
I hope people pause and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, enjoy the traditions—buy the gifts, hang the decorations, and spend time with loved ones. Those things are wonderful. But don’t forget to include God in it. Christmas is about celebrating the greatest gift we’ve ever received—Jesus.
Jesus came into the world not to condemn us but to save us. He was born in humility, lived in love, and gave His life so we could be reconciled with God. This Christmas, I encourage people to take time to reflect on that. Read the Bible as a family, pray together, and thank God for His love.
I also think Christmas is a time for giving—not just gifts, but love and compassion. Reach out to someone who’s lonely, volunteer at a shelter, or help someone in need. When we show love to others, we honor the very heart of what Christmas is about.
Tell us about your books and how they connect to your faith journey.
My books are deeply connected to my faith journey. The first book, Hesed, focuses on the Old Testament sacrificial system and how it foreshadows Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The word hesed means “loving-kindness” in Hebrew, and it perfectly describes God’s unwavering love for us.
The second book, Mashiach, explores the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. These prophecies are incredibly specific and detailed, and when you see how perfectly Jesus fulfilled them, it’s hard to ignore the divine plan behind it all.
These books are written for Christians who want to deepen their understanding of scripture, but I also wrote them with Jewish readers in mind. They explore the connections between the Old Testament and Jesus as the Messiah, and I hope they spark curiosity and open doors for meaningful conversations.
What is your next book about, and when can readers expect it?
The next book focuses on God’s redemption plan. From the moment Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to restore what was lost. That plan unfolds throughout the Old Testament and reaches its fulfillment in Jesus.
It’s a deep dive into how God’s justice, mercy, and love work together to bring us back into relationship with Him. I’m working hard on it now, and I hope to have it finished by the end of next year.
Where can people find your books?
My books are available on Amazon. Readers can search for my name, Mark Stouffer, or the titles Hesed and Mashiach. I also have a website, LovingKindnessofAdonai.com, where they can find more information, watch videos, and connect with my work.
Are you on social media as well?
Yes, I’m on Twitter—now called X—at @Mark_S. I don’t post a lot, but I love connecting with readers and sharing thoughts on faith and scripture.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
The best way to follow my work is through my website, LovingKindnessofAdonai.com. You’ll find information about my books, videos, and links to purchase them. I’m also on Amazon, so readers can search my name or the book titles there.
This has been such an inspiring conversation. Thank you so much for sharing your message with us today.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been a joy to be here. I hope this message encourages others to reflect on God’s love and the true meaning of Christmas.
Mark Stouffer is an author and dedicated Bible scholar with over 40 years of experience studying scripture. His passion lies in exploring the connections between the Old Testament and Jesus as the Messiah, helping readers uncover the profound fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Through his books, including Hesed and Mashiach, Mark offers fresh insights that bridge faith, history, and God’s redemptive plan. Committed to sharing God’s message of love and truth, Mark’s work invites both Christians and curious readers to deepen their understanding of scripture and experience the kindness of God. Learn more at LovingKindnessofAdonai.com.