John 7:39
“By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
I can remember Christmas as a kid. I’d wake up filled with this eagerness. Seven AM couldn’t come fast enough. I’d stare at my little nightstand clock as the number’s agonizingly clicked from 5:33 AM to 5:34 AM. The waiting was the worse.
But the second 7:00 AM flashed across my clock screen I was up and running to my parent’s room, ready to receive the gift of Christmas. Adrenalin rushing, messy pig-tails flopping, breathless giggles slipping from my wide grin. I knew what was coming, it was going to be magical and glorious and everything I’d been anticipating for the past month.
And sure enough, we’d walk down the stairs, clinging to the bannister, to a spread of red and green wrapped gifts. Big bows and sparkling wrapping paper, a blur of Christmasy thrill.
Waiting for those gifts on Christmas morning was tough. And I can’t help but wonder how the disciples felt as they waiting for the Holy Spirit. They knew they were going to receive the gift of the spirit. It was just a matter of when. So, they waited. They waited for a gift that’s greater than any Christmas hype or birthday party. The gift of the Holy Spirit went beyond any gift they’d ever received in their lifetime and the same goes for us.
We, as followers of Jesus, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It’s a gift that lives in our hearts, promises us peace and comfort, gives us power and changes our lives.
Intrigued? I know, it’s wild. And the disciples were intrigued in the same way. They knew the goodness of God and longed for it to dwell in their hearts, so they waited. Today, you have the opportunity to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was resurrected so you receive this life-changing gift. All you need to do is accept it.
Just like my seven-year-old self, approaching the exciting gift of Christmas morning, eyes wide and heart-swelling, you can receive the gift Jesus has for you, eyes wide and heart-swelling.
When I was in high school, I sat before Jesus on my bedroom floor and prayed for peace from the Holy Spirit. My face was down in my carpet and tears streamed from my face, I sat sobbing, filled and changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. I can’t explain to you in words the way my heart swelled or the way I felt a touch from God. But I’m here to encourage you. The same Holy Spirit that met me in the smallness of my high school bedroom longs to meet you right where you’re at. Receive the gift today.
Take time today and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Be still, be silent, calm your heart, clear your mind. Present yourself before a big God who longs to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He delights in sharing his spirit with you.