Horizon Church December Bible Reading Plan - Christmas Advent: Jesus, ComeSample

The Holy Spirit Has Come

As we journey through this Advent season, many of us experience that tension of living in the “in-between”—between what we know of Jesus now and what we will fully experience when we are in His presence. We are promised peace, joy, and belonging, yet often feel that they are not fully realised in our current circumstances. In these moments, it can be easy to feel unsure, even as faith assures us that everything will ultimately be made right.

This is why Jesus did not leave us to face this tension alone. He promised the Holy Spirit would come to be our ever-present Helper and Counselor (John 14:18). When Jesus ascended to the Father, He did not leave us without direction or strength. Instead, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, convict, and empower us as we await His return.

The role of the Holy Spirit, as described in John 16:7-11, may not always sound comforting at first. The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, but this is exactly what we need to live a life that honours Christ. The Spirit helps us recognise the areas where we fall short and brings us back to the grace of God, guiding our hearts toward righteousness. The Spirit also strengthens us to endure the trials of this world, just as Jesus endured the judgment of the world.

The Holy Spirit’s work in us is not just about correction or discipline. Ephesians 1:14 calls the Spirit the “down payment of our inheritance.” This means that the Holy Spirit is not something we earn or accumulate through effort. He is a gift, a foretaste of the fullness of our relationship with God, and a seal of our eternal inheritance. As believers, we don’t need to prove we deserve the Spirit’s presence. He is with us now, shaping us into the likeness of Christ, empowering us to live according to God’s will.

In our longing to live according to God’s wisdom and love, we can trust that the Holy Spirit is leading us. As we navigate life’s challenges, we can turn to Him as our constant guide and source of strength.