“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help
you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16
Read John 14:15-31
You’ve written out your wish list and given it to your mom, your dad, your grandma and your favorite aunt. You’ve been really good all year long (well, almost all year). Now all there is left to do….is wait. Ugh! Waiting is the worst! Especially in those last few days before Christmas when presents begin appearing beneath the tree. One by one they scream, “look at me,” “shake me,” “nah-nah, you can’t have me yet!” So, it begins. The guessing game – “Just one hint?” “Is it heavy?” “What color is it?” “Does it make noise?” “It’s not a sweater is it?!!”
Throughout his ministry, Jesus dropped many hints about a gift he would request on our behalf. He knew that his time in the flesh was short but his love and care of His people would continue on even after He returned to the Father. He also knew that the disciples and all those who would later call upon his name would need a helper. And so, he promised a gift - another advocate who would be with us forever.
The Holy Spirit unites us with Jesus and lives within all believers forever. But His work begins even before we surrender ourselves to Christ. It is the Spirit who begins that whisper of conviction that softens our hearts to the gospel truth. And it is the Spirit that gives us the courage to say yes to Jesus and step out in faith as a new believer.
Many gifts opened on Christmas morning will quickly begin to lose their luster. But the gift of the Holy Spirit remains forever. He is our guide for every day life. He pricks our hearts to recognize sin and gives us the strength to walk away from it. He comforts us in times of trouble or sorrow. He chips away our rugged edges and builds us back up with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He reveals God’s will to us and develops our spiritual gifts. With these gifts we are empowered to show the love of Jesus to the world.
Jesus said he would go and prepare a place for us. He was returning to Heaven to sit at God the Father’s side. But through the beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit, he is always with us. And because he is always with us, we are free.
Free to live with hope. Free to live with love. Free to live with joy. And free to live with peace.
Family Activity: Turn on some Christmas tunes and have a family dance party in your kitchen!
It doesn’t matter how well you can boogie, just move to celebrate Jesus!
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