Wishing You a Spirit-Filled Christmas and a Holy New Year
Does the Holy Spirit have a place in your life? If not, this just might be the perfect time of year to rekindle the flame and invite it to flourish within you in the year ahead.
I was introduced to the Holy Spirit at a very young age, and I have been intrigued by it ever since. I often likened it to a Guardian Angel — always with me “to light, to guard, to rule, and to guide,” to quote a line from a prayer that I recited daily as a child and continue to do so to this day.
Over time, as my faith has grown, my belief in and reliance on the Holy Spirit has expanded, and I continue to have great faith and confidence in its multi-faceted power as an advocate, a protector, and a mentor, as well as a source of conscience that keeps me accountable in all that I say and do.
Scripture is filled with references to the Holy Spirit, including the Gospel of John (14:26) where Jesus reveals this gift when he tells his disciples that although he will be leaving the earth for a time, they will not be left alone. “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things,” he says, “and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
In many respects, I believe that the Holy Spirit is vital to our future. We are so divided across the nation and around the world. We must come together through our unity in Christ, and I believe that it can be facilitated by inviting the Holy Spirit to live and work in each of us so that we will be able to work with others.
There’s far too much vitriol and violence in our world today, but the Holy Spirit can overcome all of it. After all, the Spirit is characterized as a dove, which represents peace — a peace through God that transcends all understanding.
Best wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Holy New Year!
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John