The Gift

The Gift. In days gone by, “The Gift” was the name for the Holy Spirit. Isn’t that a lovely thought? We know Him as the Counselor…the Comforter…the Advocate. But the saints of old called Him “The Gift”.

In the midst of your busy holiday season, take time to reflect on these words by Bernard of Clairvaux:

“It is so important for every soul among you who is seeking God to realize that He was first in the field, and was seeking you, ‘ere ever you began to search for Him…There is no worse crime than to take to oneself the credit for even a little of the grace one has received. You could not have sought the Word…if He had not sought you.”¹

If God, through the drawing of the Holy Spirit, had not compelled you to Himself. where would you be today? Won’t you take some time this Christmas season to thank God for “The Gift”? Here are some verses to get you started:

^“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” John 14:26

“We love because He first loved us.” I John 14:19

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44

For further reading on the topic of the Holy Spirit as The Gift: On the Holy Trinity by Augustine.

¹Bernard of Clairvaux, On Consideration, translated by G. Lewis, Clarendon Press, Oxford, England.