Become New with John Ortberg 7. The Missing Character in the Christmas Story (w/Dr. John Witvliet)
Dec 9, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. John Witvliet, a worship scholar and director at the Calvin Institute, reveals the often-overlooked role of the Holy Spirit in the Christmas narrative. He emphasizes the significance of ancient prayers and global traditions that can enrich our Advent experience. Witvliet explores the historical context of Advent, its connections to penitential practices, and how balancing joy with longing in music can deepen spiritual reflection. He also shares personal practices that bring life to seasonal worship.
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Holy Spirit Is Central To Christmas
- The Holy Spirit is a central but often omitted character in the Christmas narrative, especially in Luke's account.
- Recovering Spirit-focused prayer during Advent reconnects our present longing to the original drama of incarnation.
Pray 'Come Holy Spirit' This Advent
- Pray explicitly, "Come Holy Spirit," during Advent and Christmas rather than reserving Spirit-invocations only for Pentecost.
- Use ancient prayers and traditions to place you in a posture of dependence and reception before God.
O Come, O Come Was A Daily Devotion
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel began as a seven-day devotional practice, each stanza reflecting a different scriptural image.
- The hymn was meant to be lived through slowly, one image per day leading to celebration on Christmas Day.