The world at large is now into the “spirit of Christmas,” which can mean multiple things—from gift-giving and parties to special musical cantatas and candlelight services to Christmas eve and morning around the Christmas tree, to mention just a few.
But, I have been thinking about the Holy Spirit of Christmas. God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, has always been a central figure in the Christmas story. We learn in Matthew 1:18-25 that Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb by the Holy Spirit even before she had “known” her husband Joseph. Then, again, in Luke 1, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce to her that she would give birth to the Messiah, the angel answers Mary’s question as to “How?” by affirming: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35).
The Holy Ghost was present and at work before, during, and after the birth of Christ, and He is still at work today in the hearts and lives of each follower of Jesus, for “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us.” (Romans 5:5) Since that is true, everything we do during this Christmas season should be governed by the love of God, which has been planted in us the by the Holy Spirit. “Everything” includes:
(1) Our Greetings. Seems so simple. Greetings in person, with a salutation, or over the miles through a card or an email. Reviewing the New Testament, one finds that in almost all of Paul’s epistles he encourages saints to “Greet them that love us in the faith,” (Titus 3:15) or some such greeting. Christmas lends itself to special times of cordial and Christian greetings. We may have, in our culture, replaced the “holy kiss” with a holy hug or handshake, but let us never cease to take opportunities to greet the brethren!
(2) Our Gatherings. Israel, as a people of God, were commanded to gather several times a year for worship. These gatherings often required arduous trips to Jerusalem for feasts. Special songs were sung as entourages to the Holy City were made by groups that sang along the way (Ps. 120-134). Then, after the New Testament church was born, God’s people gathered weekly—and often several times a week—for fellowship, doctrinal instruction, prayer, and strategizing on missions and ministry (Acts 2:42). Believers are commanded to not forsake these gatherings. At Christmas time, we have special commemorative and celebrative gatherings, focused upon the Advent of our Messiah to this world in the form of an infant. It is well that we gather with family, friends, and flock in the spirit of love to perpetuate the music and message of Christmas, with His light shining in our hearts and homes in this darkened world.
(3) Our Giving. What blessed opportunities to give in the spirit of our Savior, who gave Himself a ransom for our sins; and in the spirit of His Father, who gave His only begotten Son. Paul told us that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and Jesus taught His disciples that they should give, encouraging them that when one does so in the right spirit, they will receive immeasurable blessings. (Luke 6:38) The Christmas season affords us unique opportunities to give in the holy spirit of Christ-like giving. “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I’d give Him a lamb. If I were a wise man, I’d do my part. What can I give Him? I’ll give Him my heart.” (Rosetti)
(4) Our Glorying. As we weave our way through commemorations and celebrations at Christmas time, it is well that we take to heart Paul’s admonition: “Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Cor.10:31) And also, “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2 Cor. 10:17) Christmas is, first and foremost, about Christ. It is not about what we get (or give), about pageants or performances, or about parties or parades. It is about the incarnation (enfleshment) of the Creator of the universe, God taking on human flesh, made in our likeness, yet without sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21).
“Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)
YOU and GOD 