Scripture:
Luke 24: 44-49
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Thoughts:
From the time He was born to the time he was crucified, promise after promise, prophecy after prophecy, was being fulfilled. After Jesus rose from the dead, before his ascension into heaven, these are the word he spoke to some of his disciples. They were the same things he had told his followers numerous other times beforehand. But in their time of loss and need, it was a promise that shone out as never before: the Holy Spirit will be sent to be with you.
We see the presence of the Holy Spirit at the conception of Jesus, and later, when Mary visits Elizabeth. We see again when Simeon is moved to prophesy and praise God at the dedication of Jesus in the Temple, and later at his baptism. The Holy Spirit was evident and we see how the Triune God works throughout the life of Christ.
Then, the promise is articulated, and given, and we live now in the age of that fulfillment. We cannot follow Jesus Christ without the ministry and work of His Holy Spirit… but with Him, we can do all things. We can fellowship with Christ, We can overcome all obstacles to our faith, we can live a life that is a victory in the steps of Christ’s victory.
And we are comforted by that same spirit.
Partake of the good gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise of God. Be comforted in your soul with the friendship of God and His help. It was this that Christ Jesus came for, and which opens the His promises giving peace and joy.
Ornament: a dove
Carol:In the Bleak Midwinter
