“…for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

During a children’s sermon, an Elder was asked by a five-year-old sitting on the chancel steps, “Miss Susie, where is Jesus right now … today?” Elder Susie answered, “Jesus is in our hearts. He is in my heart, your heart, and in the hearts of everyone who believes in Jesus.”

Can you imagine the ripple effect if we all saw ourselves and other Christians as “Christ-bearers”? As one preacher put it:  “Do you realize the same Holy Spirit that overshadowed Mary also hovered over you at your baptism? The power of the Holy Spirit is guaranteed to you as the water is poured over your head. You are named a child of the covenant, marked as Christ’s own forever. The blessing of God is invoked in and on your life. Christ is conceived within you.”

Friends, God loves each one of us so much that God came to us as a humble baby born to a young, unpretentious peasant girl; He chose to live among common, everyday, first century people, teaching about God’s gracious love. He suffered an agonizing death on a cross for our sins, and in just a few days Jesus tore down death’s door sending his Spirit among us so that we too can live knowing Christ resides within us. What greater love can there be?

So, what will be your response to God’s creation within you? Will you just ignore this gift? Or will you respond with great joy like Mary did? According to Luke (from The Message) Mary exploded with these words, “I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my savior God. God took one good look at me and see what happened . . . I’m the most fortunate person on earth!”

And may it be so for you and me during this Advent season and beyond.

Contributed by Rev. Danny Daniels