1 Peter 1:12
"To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering these things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into."
Peter tells us those looking forward to the Lord's coming that first Christmas at Bethlehem failed to understand that the gift of salvation would be offered to the entire world. Salvation was coming not just to those of the family of Abraham, but the gift of eternal life with God would be given to everyone who would believe.
And how would we receive this gift so that we might believe? The answer is given: By the preaching of the Holy Spirit.
We overlook this ministry of the Spirit to our detriment, for without the touch of the Spirit upon the hearer, our preaching is powerless.
While the message we proclaim is truth, it is only by the Spirit's witness of the truth of the gospel that the hearer will believe. While the gospel we preach is the power of God for salvation, it is only by the Spirit's work that a heart is regenerated and salvation secured. While we study and exegete the word clearly, all is lost without the Spirit, and there is no salvation.
The Spirit is God's greatest preacher ever, and the message He proclaims is the one we celebrate this Christmas. A Savior has come, and with his sacrifice, forgiveness and release from sin is secured for those who worship Jesus with all our hearts.
LORD JESUS
Lord, I thank you for the preaching ministry of your Spirit, making possible the belief and salvation of people throughout the world. Amen.
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