Day 17
Tuesday, December 13
Diana Bennett
As a young girl and well into my teens, Christmas season was focused around “presents”: what to ask for and what to give. Although not understanding the significance of Jesus’ birth, we decorated with anticipation of coming festivities while anxious about all we had to do. The crèche came out of the closet and was set up in a prominent place. On New Year’s Day, baby Jesus was wrapped in tissue paper, put back into the box, and forgotten for the next eleven months.
Years later I was invited to Park Street one Sunday and heard the gospel for the first time. Face to face with Jesus, I realized he didn’t remain a baby! Gradually I saw him as God in the flesh, proclaiming truth, fulfilling Scripture, and offering forgiveness. In time, I sensed the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Advent became not only a season of celebrating Jesus’ coming into the world, but also of gratitude for his coming into my life. My long anticipated “presents” became the life-transformation of “presence” of the Holy Spirit who gifts forgiveness, love, patience, righteousness, new beginnings, trust, hope and joy. The Holy Spirit gives us a new mind, a new identity and new ability to become more like Jesus. Our postures are changed from self-righteousness and good works to openhanded humility, gratefulness, and holiness. The Holy Spirit stills and quiets our souls and showers us with wisdom and love during both hard and good times.
Perhaps this Advent God’s “presence” will be more evident to you in a transformative way when you sing Christmas carols, realizing the significance of the words, and when you receive gifts, being reminded of the ultimate gift of God, Jesus Christ. And together we will continue to wait for his coming again. Come Lord Jesus!
Diana, a longtime PSC member, lives in Plymouth and has a passion for evangelism and encouraging others to grow deep roots in their knowledge and faith in a Holy Triune God.