Just Another Christmas?

Here we are, on the verge of another Christmas season.  A time with family, lots of Christmas parties, eating too much and piles of shopping.  It’s a fun time of year; giving and getting some sweet gifts is always enjoyable.  But have you ever wondered if there is more to the season than the eating, socializing and shopping?

I believe there is more to Christmas than food, shopping, gifts and family.  Over 2000 years ago Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby.  He grew up and ministered to people and built his church.  He was physically present with his followers at that time.  Now it all seems pretty distant.  Jesus has been up in heaven for over 2000 years and we’re down here.  We can touch the Christmas tree and taste the holiday desserts but we can’t seem to get a hold of Jesus.

Let me tell you though, Jesus is present with us right now through the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus returned to heaven he promised the Holy Spirit to his disciples.

In Luke 11:13 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.  The Holy Spirit who came down on the disciples on the day of Pentecost and enabled them to transform the world is the exact same Holy Spirit we have available to us today; we often just don’t realize it.  If we realize that the Holy Spirit is everywhere and always with us, that knowledge will change our outlook on life and the way we act and deal with everyday situations. 

Back in August my wife and I were driving across the prairies and we came to the city of Swift Current in Saskatchewan.  The slogan for their city was posted on the welcome to Swift Current sign.   It read “where life makes sense.”  Every city in the world would like to use that saying.  The reality is that only with God does life make sense.  The Holy Spirit is present with us right now as we enter another Christmas season, ready to help us make sense of life.  You won’t find a better gift anywhere!