Read Romans 5:1-5.
When it comes to expectations this time of year, we are often like those kids in the famous Night Before Christmas poem, where “visions of sugar plums danced in their heads”. We want our holiday to look a certain way, be a certain way and have certain gifts. As Christmas comes closer, are we engaging the season as it is, or as we wish it were? Is it beautiful or broken? Wonderous or woeful? Precious or pressured? Paul proclaims, “no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you can rejoice.” Paul learned from his experiences that God produced character in him as Jesus’ love poured into his heart through the Holy Spirit.
If your Christmas isn’t filling it up with what you wished, have hope. Paul’s encouragement is that we are already filled up. We might not get the gifts we want for Christmas, but we have been given the gift that never stops giving. Our spirit is born again with the coming of Jesus in our life. Through the Holy spirit, God continually pours his love into us. We might be experiencing difficulties but we are filled in the midst of them. We are not without resources. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives.
Suffering is part of the human condition, but God doesn’t leave us to suffer alone. The Holy Spirit suffers with us and for us. He is our comforter, constant companion and guide. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26) The Holy Spirit is pointing you to Jesus in the midst of your circumstances, and filling you this season.
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Listen to Shoulders by For King and Country on YouTube found below. Take a moment to claim your free gift, the miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by being reborn in Christ Jesus.
By Donna Burns
