As we get closer to Christmas time, if you have young kids or grandkids, you may already be thinking about gifts that Santa Claus will need to provide for them. In C.S. Lewis’ classic beloved children’s book, The Chronicles of Narnia, Santa shows up bearing gifts (as he always does) to the story’s protagonists. Peter is given a sword and a shield; Susan, a bow and arrows and a horn; and Lucy, a small dagger and the crystal bottle of healing cordial.

Now, imagine that upon receiving these gifts, Peter, Susan, and Lucy decided to take their weapons, scurry back through the Wardrobe to the safety of their home and hang up their weapons over their fireplace, and never used them. It’s unthinkable! Even the greatest of imaginations could fathom such an idea. That’s because we all know that when protagonists receive swords and shields in a story, they are getting ready for battle. It was just a matter of time until they would be seen in action.

Now, how much more unthinkable is it that God would provide us His Holy Spirit and His incredible power and we think “maybe I’ll learn about the Holy Spirit’s role and His gifts in my life someday.” God gave you His Spirit’s power so that through His help, you are equipped to do your part in building God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.

As we talked about earlier this week: Jesus said, “it is better that I go away” because the Holy Spirit was going to be sent to the Church to build the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is your greatest ally, your greatest strength, and your greatest weapon when it comes to the obeying Jesus’ commands, advancing the kingdom, spiritual warfare, and growing in Christ-like character.

Today: Have you been seeking the Holy Spirit’s support in your life? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of the power He offers and ask Him to unleash it in your life today.