MANY people gain pleasure in the giving and receiving of gifts. It can be exciting opening a parcel to see what you are receiving. But a gift is of no use unless it's opened.

God wants to offer you his gifts too, and he can offer you the gift of his Holy Spirit, who will guide you in life, but until you receive it, it won't be yours. The thing is how do you receive it?

If you take a glass and hold it upside down under a running tap, there's water round it, but none gets in. That's just like the person who wants to receive nothing from God. The Holy Spirit can't get a look in.

Now turn the glass round and see what happens. It will be filled!

If you want to receive God's Holy Spirit, turn around and open yourself to God. Ask him to fill you with his spirit and he will be true to his promise.

REV JENNY FURBER, Curate Malvern Link with Cowleigh.