She Reads Truth: EmmanuelSample

The Angel Gabriel’s Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Incarnation

Reflection

Oh, how I love Mary. I love that God chose her. I love that she believed the words of Gabriel with obedience and without hesitation - never asking if, but only “how?” She is chosen, she is key, and indeed Mary is blessed among women!

But the Holy Spirit! Oh, sisters, this passage - this new information about the character of the Holy Spirit from the angel Gabriel - it teaches us so much about the Spirit’s role and about our own relationship with the Father and the Son! You see, the Holy Spirit is a promoter of Christ.

John Piper, in his writing, “Conceived By The Holy Spirit,” says the Holy Spirit’s ministry “is to point away from Himself to the wonder of God the Son and God the Father. Being filled with the Spirit means being filled with love for Christ… The Spirit is shy; he is self-effacing. When we look toward him, he steps back and pushes forward Jesus Christ.”

How about that?

While the members of the Trinity are coequal in power and in standing with one another (all equally God), they are also distinct. Most typically we pray to become more like the Son, in love, humility and in passion for the Father. We look to the Father as the creator of heaven and earth; mighty in power, yet intimate and present. And it’s probably fair to assess that we look to the Spirit primarily as a helper. The Spirit is indeed our Great Helper, but let’s not miss His distinct example as well.

“From the very beginning of Christ’s incarnation the Holy Spirit was quietly doing what needed to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man.” -Piper

Sisters, what would it look like if the same was said of us in our daily lives?

“From the time she wakes up, ___________ is quietly doing what needs to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and  Savior of man.”

Reading that over, inserting our names, puts flesh on bones of our calling as Christians. It’s cashing in our privilege to approach the Throne before we approach a hurtful person or troubling situation. It’s not using our personalities as an excuse to be un-Christlike. It’s giving soft answers. It’s taking the Advent season seriously in the area of repentance and heart preparation.

And as we consider what we may be able to learn from the actions of the Spirit, let’s absolutely remember His willingness to help us in our efforts! If the Spirit’s role is to ever magnify the Father and Son, and our role as Christians is to do the same, don’t you think the Helper will undergird us in all things?

Today as we read the narrative of the Holy Spirit’s quiet and wonderful and mysterious role in causing the virgin to conceive, let’s praise the Trinity together for the miraculous role each member has played in offering us salvation which we could not afford.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help us to be like you - teach us and help us to put forth Christ in everything we do. Amen.

Advent Action

Look ahead at your day if it’s morning (and if it’s evening, look ahead to tomorrow). List on paper or in your mind five ways in which you can “put forth Christ” where you otherwise might not. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and believe that He will!

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