Next Step #30

One of the most important roles of the Holy Spirit in all of history is as the “Father” of Jesus. As we read in both Matthew and Luke, and angel visited Joseph and Mary to let them know that Mary would become pregnant, and that the child conceived in her would be born of the Holy Spirit, and thus would be the “Son of God.” I don’t pretend to understand HOW this took place, what I do understand is THAT it took place, and that makes all the difference! Never before or since has the Holy Spirit intervened in such a way with humanity. Only Mary, the virgin from Nazareth has ever conceived a child through the agency of the Holy Spirit, and because of that miraculous moment, each of us has the opportunity to know God personally—in and through Jesus Christ! We must all remember as those who live not only on this side of Jesus’ birth, but also on this side of His life, death on the cross, resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven that Jesus made certain that we would know Him and His power. How?  He sent the Holy Spirit!  As we live each day, we may be empowered by the same One, who caused Jesus to be conceived in the womb of Mary. The Holy Spirit lived (and lives) uniquely in Jesus since, they and God, the Father, are ever three and ever one, but He also lives in each of us who call on the name of Jesus. May we remember in this Christmas season that we prepare the way for Jesus most fully, when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill and control us moment by moment!