Tomorrow night we will go to bed in anticipation of Christmas morning. Some will be looking forward to gifts and family time. Some will be filled with joy at the prospect of celebrating the birth of our Savior. Once the dust, wrapping paper, and Christmas dinners have settled, what are we left with?
This is the season we celebrate the birth of Christ and, for many of us, his life, death, and resurrection as well. We may even look with faith toward His return. But what about in the intermediate time? What about right now?
Good news! Jesus didn’t leave us alone.
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” – John 15:26
Before His crucifixion, Jesus promised to leave a helper. This helper, the Holy Spirit, came to indwell us, counsel us, seal us, give us gifts, and more. The disciples weren’t left alone for long!
“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” – Acts 1:4–5
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:1–4
This Christmas, we can be filled with joy and peace, abounding in hope, thanks to the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Through that abounding hope given to us by the Holy Spirit, we can love as Christ loves us.
“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,” – Colossians 1:4–5
Thank you Jesus for your saving work in your death and resurrection. Thank you Holy Spirit for your gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. And thank you God for being love. Help us to love others and You loved us first!
Family Discussion
Which of the fruits of the Spirit do you do best?
Which of the fruits of the Spirit do you need to work on?
