Thankfully, Jesus left us a great gift — the Holy Spirit — to guide us and sustain us (Acts 1:8) on our life’s journey and to help us accomplish the mission that he has planned for us. We are never alone! It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we receive all that we need to go forth, to persevere in faith, hope, and love as disciples of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is a great giver of gifts (Isaiah 11:2)! However, gifts must be accepted in order to be received. Did you ever give someone a gift only to find out they gave it away or didn’t use it? How sad God must be if we don’t notice, appreciate, and use the gifts He wants to shower upon us. God will never force anything upon us; we must be open to receive His gifts.
Sometimes the gifts that God gives us may not come in very beautiful packaging, and they may not seem like gifts at all. We may even close our hearts and struggle against what God is trying to give us. As mentioned yesterday, meditating on the crucifix might help us better practice acceptance of all God’s gifts. Who would have ever thought that the crucifixion could lead to one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind? Yet following the crucifixion came the resurrection and eventually the descent of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is the very breath of God. In order to feel someone’s breath, we have to be very near to them. The same is true for the Holy Spirit. Our experience of the Holy Spirit is dependent on our nearness to Christ. We must continually draw near to him in order to feel God’s breath of life. So if you ever feel as if you’re becoming doubtful or hopeless or that you cannot feel God’s presence, keep drawing nearer until you are close enough to feel God’s breath.
Today, reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit within and around you. Consider what unique gifts God has given to you and how He might be calling you to use them.
Pray the Advent Prayer..
Click the first video below to listen to today’s song for reflection.
Prayerfully read and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Ask God to pour out HIs grace so that His love and peace may be born in you and that you may live your life following Jesus’ example.
At some point before you go to sleep, pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit (second video below)
Song: Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God