The Gift: Advent Bible PlanSample

This Christmas

“Looking back, it was tough, man, you don’t know

Get a cup, fill it up with some cocoa

I ain’t worried ‘bout no present when I got You present.”

Through the ups and downs of the story of God’s people, a common thread appears. The people of God were always destined to dwell in the presence of God, enjoying the peace of God. Through the kings and prophets, the Nation of Israel was given leaders to care for them. These leaders were able to capture elements of God’s provision and care, but there was always some element of oppression or division amongst them because no leader could take care of the sin problem in them or in their nation.

When God gave his son Jesus, he sent his perfect peace into the world. For the early believers who walked with Jesus in person, there was provision and peace as he taught them the true nature of God. Things didn’t stop there. When Jesus died on the cross, he not only paid the price for our sin, but he unleashed the presence of God in the Holy Spirit! From then on, the Holy Spirit dwells inside each of us as we receive the gift of grace and righteousness by faith in Jesus.

The gift of the Holy Spirit brings everything we need to navigate life on this side of eternity because through the Spirit, we are reunited with God himself. We no longer need to visit temples to encounter God. The Lord is with us, to guide us into all things we need to live a life pleasing to him, which will ultimately satisfy everything our hearts desire. Through the Holy Spirit we have infinite access to God and because Jesus paid the price for this gift no one, or nothing can ever separate us!

What else do we need this holiday season if we have everything in Christ? If this is true, we’re actually free to share this good news and invite others into this reality!

Prayer: Take time to pray and give thanks to God for giving Himself through the gift of the Holy Spirit that was purchased for us by Jesus. Ask God to open your eyes to the life that is available to you as you learn to enjoy His presence. Pray and Ask God how he might inspire you to share his presence with others this Holiday season.