Join me, Max Locato, for Max Locato's Because of Bethlehem, in theaters nationwide, December 5th,

6th, and 7th. Together, we will remember that the Christmas season is more than a pretty tree

with presents piled underneath. It's a time to reflect on the true gift of the season. Join me,

along with special guests, Matthew West and Wilson, C.C. Winans, and more. Tickets are on sale now

for this special in theaters only event. Hey everybody, Erica here with Team Locato.

Wanted to share some exciting news with you all, Max's brand new book you were made for this

moment, inspired by the timeless and timely story of Esther, is available now wherever books are sold.

Hi everybody, Max Locato here from my home to yours. Thanks so much for joining me for today's

encouraging word. Trepidation sure has taken a lot these days. Please don't let it take anything

else from you. I'm opening my Bible to Mark, the Gospel of Mark chapter 1. At that time,

Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan River.

And immediately, as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven open. And the Holy

Spirit came down on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, you are my son whom I love,

and I am very pleased with you. All four Gospels make reference to this moment. And Luke's

Gospel, he goes so far as to say that the Spirit descended not like a dove, but as a dove,

the Holy Spirit is depicted in many ways in Scripture, many forms, a fire, wind, oil,

river. But here at the coronation of Christ, the Spirit chose to descend gently, softly,

kindly as a dove. You know you'd think a hawk would be more apt ever ready to pounce on Satan

the rant or an owl, the symbol of wisdom, maybe a metal arc, serenading the world with music.

Yet the Spirit chose to come as a dove. Why? Well, I wonder if part of the answer

might lie in the maternal tenderness of the Holy Spirit. In biblical times, the dove was a feminine

symbol, and the Hebrew word for Spirit was feminine. And doves are commonly considered a symbol

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