I am eagerly awaiting the release of Peter Jackson’s screen adaptations of The Hobbit (An Unexpected Journey and There and Back Again). I read Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit Blog and Sir Ian McKellen’s Hobbit Blog not as spoilers, especially since I have already read the book, but to whet my appetite for a couple of movies I believe will be exceptional.

In addition to anticipating the coming of the Son, during Advent we also anticipate the coming of the Holy Spirit. While we celebrate the Spirit’s arrival in the church at Pentecost, not Christmas, and that arrival does not occur until after the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the movement of the Holy Spirit moves us to, and through, Christmas. Allow me to whet your appetite for the Holy Spirit.

Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). The grace of God was on Jesus as he grew up (Luke 2:40). The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism (Mark 1:9-10). Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted (Matt. 4:1). Jesus claimed anointing by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18-21). Jesus did miracles by the power of the Spirit (Matt. 12:28). Jesus had joy by the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21). Dying, Jesus gave up his spirit (Matt. 27:50). Jesus was raised by the Spirit (Rom. 8:11). Jesus breathed the Spirit upon his disciples (John 20:22). Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to the church (John 14:16).

It is by the power of the Spirit that the Savior came and performed his work, and that same Spirit works in the church. We anticipate the Spirit, and he has arrived. We now also anticipate what greater works we will now do by that power.