In my message last Sunday (December 11), I pointed out that the spirit of Christmas in the New Testament scriptures is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is emphasized in the accounts of the birth of our Lord Jesus. I suggest that you look for the role of the Holy Spirit as you read and think about Jesus’ supernatural entry into our world.

I’m thinking that the Holy Spirit has been involved in some of my experiences this Christmas season. Last Saturday morning I participated in the Whiz Kids’ and Angel Tree Christmas party downtown at Olivet Baptist. Maurice Ferris had recruited a large team of volunteers who welcomed and loved the boys and girls. The children enjoyed games, entertainment, good food, gifts and a visit from Santa. Best of all, they were reminded about Jesus. It was thrilling to see so many of our Metropolitan members serving the Lord as His Spirit worked through them to share God’s love.

Then on Saturday evening Connie and I attended the dinner party for our Sunday School class at the beautiful home of Jim and Lorna English. I was looking forward to enjoying a great meal with good friends. But I have to confess I wasn’t terribly excited about another ornament exchange! (I’m just a guy. What do I know?)

Well, once again I was surprised by the Holy Spirit. Jim asked each couple to share a blessing from the past year as they opened the packages containing their ornaments. Wow! It was a powerful experience listening to one testimony after another of God’s faithfulness in trouble, answers to prayer, new opportunities, and many expressions of love for one another.

I was ashamed of myself for grousing about the ornament exchange. The Spirit of God was there, speaking to all of us: “This is what the church should be; loving and caring for one another.”

Then on Sunday evening the Chapel Choir and orchestra led us all in praise to Jesus by beautifully presenting the glorious arrangements of Christmas carols by John Rutter. That marriage of truth and beauty was a vehicle for God’s Spirit to speak to my heart at a very deep level. I continue to thank the Lord for Paul Purifoy and all the excellent musicians who make up our music ministry. We may not be the biggest, but who can deny that we enjoy the best, week after week? That’s because our musicians are not mere performers. They are Spirit-filled Christians!

The best way to experience the spirit of Christmas is to invite the Spirit of Jesus Christ to fill your life.

Pastor Randy