God’s Presence in You Gives Joy

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “ At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting , the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was fill ed with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed:
‘As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’ ” (Luke 1:39-44)
      Passage: Romans 8:35-39

        When Jesus was conceived, Mary literally carried God’s presence  with her wherever she went. When she arrived at Elizabeth’s house, the presence of Jesus was so strong that Elizabeth recognized it and the baby she was carrying recognized it. That presence of Christ within Mary caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the baby, John, to leap for joy.
        The Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune Godhead, with God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is one God in three persons, so that when you have the presence of one, you have the presence of all. Before Jesus was crucified, raised and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon people temporarily for a specific purpose and time. Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell permanently within the lives of believers.(John 14:16-17) As a believer, you have God’s presence within you. Nothing can take His presence away from you and that is a reason Christmas is joy for the heart.               

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)