“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18 NIV)
Jesus’ birth was a miracle. His mother Mary did not conceive in the natural way. She was still a virgin when Jesus was born.
When Mary’s fiancé heard the news of her pregnancy, he drew the logical conclusion that she must have been unfaithful to him. But an angel told him the truth: “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20 NIV) The angel had previously conveyed that same message to Mary herself: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35 NIV)
These words recall the very first verses of the Bible, which tell how the Spirit of God hovered over the waters when the earth was still formless and empty. Then God filled the earth with light and life.
In both cases, the Holy Spirit is thus involved in the creation of new life that heralds a whole new era. In Genesis, God creates plants, animals, and finally humans, into whom He breathes the breath of life. In Matthew, God Himself comes to earth to redeem fallen creation and bring new life to humanity.
How do you experience the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit?