The Spirit

“The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God.””—Luke 1:35 NASB

Who, that first Christmas, really understood the Holy Spirit? Certainly not Zacharias or his wife, Elizabeth, even though both were told they would be filled with the Spirit. And certainly not Mary. When Gabriel told her she would conceive and bear a son, she wondered how this was even possible. She didn’t know the power of the Spirit.

Gabriel said that the Spirit would “come upon” her. The Greek word here describes how the Spirit would enter her life as if from another dimension. Gabriel also said that the power of the Most High would “overshadow” her. The Greek word indicates throwing a shadow.

These words help us understand how the Spirit works in our lives as well. He can do anything, at any time, in any place. He can overshadow us like we are in the midst of a cloud, caught up in His presence. He can overtake us and operate within and through us in ways so overwhelming that we can do extraordinary things. He can even transform us and change our very nature.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, remember to be sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit. He changed Mary’s life and the lives of Zacharias and Elizabeth. He can change your life. He is the same today as He was that first Christmas. Let Him change you and use you to impact lives. Remember, with the Spirit, nothing is impossible!

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to direct your celebrations.