God's Holy Fire: 'Leaping for Joy!'

Sunday, December 20, 2026

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby [John the Baptizer] leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
— Luke 1:41 NIV

Key Thought

In Jesus' final words of comfort to his apostles in John chapters 14-16, he repeatedly talks about the Holy Spirit being our Counselor-Comforter-Helper-Advocate who will guide us into all truth and remind us of the things he (Jesus) did and taught. In 1 John 1:2, John again reminds us that the Holy Spirit is our anointing that guides us into truth and helps us discern truth from error. The Bible cries out and repeatedly reminds us that one very important dimension of the Holy Spirit's work is to help us know Jesus and be transformed to be like him. So we should not be surprised that Elizabeth, a lady who was both barren and too old to have a baby (Luke 1:7), is given one by God, and both mother and baby give "testimony" through the Holy Spirit to the presence of the Messiah in Mary's womb. As we contemplate the birth of Jesus, let's ask the Holy Spirit to confirm the presence of Jesus in our lives through the deep joy of faith in Jesus, hope in the grace of God that Jesus brings, and love as our response to God for his indescribable gift.

Today's Prayer

O Father of the heavenly lights, the giver of every good and perfect gift, I thank you for your greatest gifts - the gift of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I recognize both as your gracious revelation of your love for me and your gracious power within me. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Connected Grace!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the..."
Dancing for Immanuel
Article by Phil Ware
Too small to see, but too great to miss! Phil Ware begins a short series called When Spirit Becomes Flesh focusing on the birth of Jesus, the incarnation of God among his creatures, and the wonders of Christmas.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:41 NIV — When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby [John the Baptizer] leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 20, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Secret of God's Will' (Ep. 1:9-14)
"Dear Father, King of an eternal kingdom, You have made known to us the secret of your will, the purpose which you set forth in Christ as a plan for....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Seeking to Bridge the Gap Due to Misunderstanding'
"[After being instructed by the leaders of the Jerusalem church to join in the Jewish purification ceremony of four men,] Paul went to the Temple the...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Deuteronomy 13:4
"It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Armin Gesswein:
"When God is about to do something great, he starts with a difficulty. When he is about to do something truly magnificent, he starts with an impossibility."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations