The Holy Spirit

Friday Dec. 13

Scripture: Luke 1:13-17, 26-27, & 35-37

The angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that his son, John, whom we know as “the baptist,” will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Later, when Mary asks Gabriel how it is possible that she could have a son while still a virgin, Gabriel speaks once again of the Holy Spirit: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luke 1:35)

Read closely and you’ll notice that the Holy Spirit is active throughout the first two chapters of Luke – Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary visits her (1:41); Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit after John’s birth (1:67); Simeon received revelation through the Holy Spirit concerning Jesus (2:26).

In Greek and Hebrew the word spirit can also mean wind or breath. And at the opening of the Bible, in Genesis 1:1, we see that the Spirit hovers over the waters as creation begins.

That same creative (in the truest sense of the word) Spirit is bringing forth something new in the ministries of John and Jesus.

Advent is the season to trust the Holy Spirit to do the impossible in our lives and in God’s world.

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Create and re-create. Make us new. Make your cosmos new through Jesus who has come to make all things new. Amen.