The Gift of the Spirit

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”—John 14:15–16 ESV

The commercialized spirit of Christmas is often dominated by the superficial and temporary—even the most thoughtful gifts can be quickly forgotten. But God gives us gifts that last. They help us today and continue to bless us throughout our lives and into eternity.

We see this principle in His gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples that when He returned to Heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit who would help them and always be with them. Eventually, they would learn the many other blessings of the Spirit.

The Bible describes how the Spirit gives us life (John 6:63) and teaches us (John 14:26). He convicts us of sin and guides us into truth (John 15:26). He fills us (Acts 2:4) and gives us His gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). He gives us the power to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:9) and “makes intercession for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26–27). He reveals the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10–12) and the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:3–5).

What an amazing gift!

This Christmas season, ask God to help you become more sensitive to the Spirit in your life. He is available to be your comforter, to grant you peace, to provide you access to God’s power, to guide you, and to warn you of danger.

The Holy Spirit is God’s ever-present gift. Celebrate His presence!

Reflection Question: Discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in your life currently.