Unwrapping Christmas - Viewing the Nativity Through Luke's EyesSample

Day 8

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.  Luke 1:15

John’s infilling of the Spirit of the Living God should also be our pursuit: to live in the miraculous and extraordinary of the Third Person of the Trinity. This reality is the anointed mantle of every believer.

Who is the Holy Spirit? He is the equal Member of the Godhead – along with the Father and the Son – indwelling every believer at their point of receiving Jesus as their Savior. No matter if one comes to faith incrementally – beginning to believe more than they doubt – or having a pinpoint-in-time conversion, the Holy Spirit brings to life the once-dead spirit of the new Christian. In other words: divine CPR.

Yes, that is what He does. The Spirit breathes His life-breath in the hidden place of a person where communion with God happens. Indeed, the word Spirit in the original Hebrew and Greek of the Bible means breath, to breathe, wind, breeze, a current of air, or spirit. And just like a wind gust, we can sense and see His presence all around, although we can’t see Him.

All four Gospels quote John’s statement that Jesus would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit and fire. This means that He would not only fill His children with His Spirit but provide a second and ongoing overflow or baptism in the Spirit’s anointing of His supernatural gifts and love (1 Corinthians 12-14). And as we surrender to His touch, we will also cultivate the lovely characteristics of His fruit (Galatians 5:22). 

Today we need the Spirit’s 'life- breath' more than ever. We need His help, healing, love, comfort, and power as we entirely surrender to His work. And surrender we must. Let’s open our hearts to Him this Christmas season. He is the best Gift ever – and our Father won’t deny our request for more of Him in our lives.