The Spirit prepares us for the Savior’s return!
Luke 3:16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But someone mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (EHV)
Only ten days to go! It is easy to get fired up this time of year. The familiar songs, the lights, the decorations, the treats, and the family parties prepare us for the celebration of Christmas. But what about the rest of the year? How can we keep the fire going in our hearts when Christmas and all of the festivities are months away? Advent is a time of waiting for Jesus to come. How can we keep our hearts on fire for the Lord to return, especially since he has been gone for almost 2000 years?
God’s people are no strangers to waiting for a long time to see the Lord’s advent. Ever since the fall into sin, God’s people have been waiting. As time went on, God gave his people more details of his coming, even going as far as describing the forerunner, John the Baptist. And finally, it happened that first Christmas! But after all the awesome things that took place at Christmas, it took another 30 years until John was able to point out Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. And now it is over 2000 years since Jesus ascended. Again, how do we keep our hearts on fire for his return?
Remember the gift Jesus has given you! John the Baptist was sent to prepare the people for Christ to come. John revealed a gift from the Savior which helps his people prepare for his second coming. Jesus has given you the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit sets your hearts on fire for Jesus to return. It is important to remember that the Spirit sets your heart on fire. This is not something we can do on our own. When we become weary of waiting, we need the Spirit to set our hearts back on fire. Look no further than your baptism. Through baptism, the Spirit connects you to the power of Christ which brings forgiveness, and life. Baptism is your adoption into the family of God and guarantees a place in the kingdom to come.
Dear Jesus, continue to pour out the Holy Spirit on your people. Keep us in our baptismal grace and set our hearts on fire for your return. In your name we pray, Amen.