12 Days Before Christmas Series: 10 – 12/22/2025

Three minute read time

Read: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:5-80; Luke 2:22-40

When we read the Christmas story in the Bible, our focus is often on the main character—Baby Jesus! However, there’s another significant presence woven throughout the narrative: the Holy Spirit. By taking a closer look at the passages, we can see how the Holy Spirit was actively involved in each event.

The first mention of the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story appears in Luke 1:5-23. In this passage, Zechariah, a priest, is serving in the temple when he realizes that he is not alone! He unexpectedly encounters the angel Gabriel. Gabriel announces that Zechariah’s prayers have been answered—he and his wife Elizabeth will have a son, despite their old age. Zechariah finds this hard to believe and, as a result, is rendered unable to speak until the prophecy is fulfilled. But there’s an important detail here: Gabriel also shares that their son, John, will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth.

While Zechariah’s encounter set the stage for John’s birth, another miraculous announcement was unfolding elsewhere. In Luke 1:26-38, Gabriel appears to Mary, greeting her as the one who has found favor with God. Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive a child before her marriage is finalized—a startling revelation. He explains that her son will be called the Son of the Most High, is destined to inherit David’s throne and will reign forever. Gabriel clarifies, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and cause you to be pregnant.” To reassure Mary, he adds that her relative Elizabeth, once barren, is now six months pregnant.

Mary quickly visits Zechariah and Elizabeth, and in Luke 1:39-45, we see the Holy Spirit at work again. When Mary greets Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit fills Elizabeth, and the baby in her womb—John—leaps for joy, as he is already filled with the Spirit of God.

Three months later, when John is born (Luke 1:57-79), Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and regains his ability to speak, immediately praising God and prophesying about his son’s future role.

Meanwhile, in Matthew 1:18-25, Joseph learns that Mary is pregnant and quietly plans to divorce her to protect her from shame. In a dream, Gabriel appears and explains that Mary’s pregnancy is the work of the Holy Spirit, encouraging Joseph to move forward with their marriage.

After Jesus is born, in Luke 2:22-35, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for his dedication. There, they encounter two faithful ‘senior saints’, Simeon and Anna. The Holy Spirit is upon Simeon, and the Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Simeon recognizes Jesus, blesses him, and prophesies that Jesus will be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (We’ll explore this further tomorrow!)

In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it’s natural for our attention to center on Christ’s birth. Yet, the Holy Spirit’s presence is clear and powerful throughout the story. Which makes me wonder: In your life story, have you missed the significant role the Holy Spirit is playing?

I believe the Holy Spirit is active in our lives on a daily basis—sometimes in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Take a moment to reflect and realize, as Zechariah did, that we are not alone! Where might the Holy Spirit be working in your life today?

If you’d like to read the entire Christmas story as it unfolded over 2,000 years ago, check the first blog in this series for scripture references. Got questions? Reach out anytime—I’ll do my best to find an answer.

Return tomorrow for: The Light of Revelation and Glory