The Holy Spirit – A Christmas Message
This Christmas Day and those in the past we are reminded of the “spirit of Christmas”. Why do we say that and what exactly does it mean? Some may feel it is a wisp of a warm feeling we get during the holidays. That may be true or at least a feeling that we pursue, especially on this day. But, perhaps it is more …. much more; something more tangible and hopeful that doesn’t depend on a feeling or even a “good Christmas” surrounded by loved ones. Indeed, many are dealing with loss and lack only magnified by how the world views Christmas. We need to be humble and compassionate.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas. I love decorating, enjoying good meals and love being surrounded by loved ones. The day also brings forth memories of sadness and loss. I think it does so for everyone. We are not alone. My own faith and study have brought me to the conclusion that God and His Spirit are very real. God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit are parts of the same entity – each with different roles in our lives. While often difficult to understand in our finite minds, let’s just try to discover here the role of the Holy Spirit for us. After all, isn’t this what people search for in the “spirit of Christmas”? If the meaning is so much more than a fleeting feeling, then Christmas takes on a whole new meaning of hope regardless of how we feel.
Elohim
“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2).
The word “God” in Hebrew is “Elohim” suggesting something plural – not several gods but One God with a Spirit and the Son. The Spirit of God eternally existed outside of time and space. We will see the Spirit of God was present throughout history and is with us today and will be in the future.
Joel, a prophet of God, writes over 800 years before Christ, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh …. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit” (Joel 2:28-29).
“In those days” speaks of the future – our future.
Mary and the Messenger
Luke’s gospel also describes the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary, a Jewish virgin.
“And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God’” (Luke 1:34-35).
This moment fulfills multiple prophecies throughout the scriptures written hundreds of years prior by a wide variety of prophets in different times. Notice the phrase “power of the Most High”. His power is strong and everlasting. We can lean into it.
Pentecost and the Indwelling Spirit
We know Jesus (Yeshua) was put to death on the Cross, but before He left His disciples, He comforted them with the promise of the Spirit of Elohim to guide them.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).
In the book of Acts, written by Luke, a Gentile physician, confirms the promise of God on the day of Pentecost.
“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:3-4).
Jesus (Yeshua), before His final ascension, appeared to His disciples one last time and directed them to go out among the nations.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
The same Spirit of God indwells us, who have surrendered to Him. Paul, the apostle, writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16:
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
Final Point on this Christmas Day
The very SAME spirit that existed outside of time and space is with us today and in fact, INDWELLS us as His Holy Temple! He makes US holy! This, alone, gives me such hope! We cannot really find the ever sought after hope and peace through just ourselves. We are finite, mortal and so grossly sinful by nature. We are all in need of the Savior.
Our only way to the Father is to believe and accept the Son, which invites His Holy Spirit to indwell our being. I have personal testimony about this truth and I have witnessed multiple testimonies from others. My hope is that you find true peace and joy in this Christmas message. Whether you are feeling overwhelming joy today or overwhelming heartbreak, our Peace comes from Elohim. Amen!
Tonya Noren
December 25, 2021