Sunday Reflection - Pentecost

Acts 2:1-6 (NIV) - The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

1. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
6. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Today we celebrate Pentecost as a Christian Holy Day commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament of the Bible. It is also known as Whitsunday, or Whit Sunday.

Christians share their perspective about the meaning of Pentecost as well as how the diversity of languages and cultures can enhance their worship and fellowship with each another.

As recorded in the New Testament of the Bible, it was on the 50th day after Easter that the apostles were praying together and the Holy Spirit descended on them. They received the “gift of tongues” – the ability to speak in other languages – and immediately began to preach about Jesus Christ to Jewish people from all over the world who flocked to Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot.

Pentecost also marks the birth of the Christian Church. According to church tradition, Pentecost is always seven weeks after Easter Sunday, or 50 days after Easter, including Easter Day.

After reading the account of the Pentecost in the Bible I always think about how wonderful it must have been for people from various cultures to be able to talk to and understand each other. They had travelled from many lands and when touched by the Holy Spirit they were able to speak other languages.

In spite of cultural differences we are, through the power of the Spirit, enabled to understand each other and treat each other as equals, with love and mutual care.

The symbols of Pentecost are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, and a dove.

PENTECOST

by Edward Potts

We went to Jerusalem just like He said,

For forty days we wondered what lies ahead,

We sang, we prayed, and recalled each word,

That Jesus told us, and the miracles we've heard.

There was, Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene.

Who told us of many things they had seen,

Jesus told us that in Jerusalem we would receive power,

We waited with patience for His promised hour.

"Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it know fear,

I go to my Father, but you will stay here,

I'll send you a comforter while I am away,

Just go to the Jerusalem and wait for that day.

As we sang and prayed our spirits did soar,

Suddenly the room was filled with a roar,

Great tongues like fire came like the wind,

As fire set on each one, His power came in.

We sprang to our feet and in language unknown,

We gave praise and honor to God on His throne,

Some people thought we had lost our mind,

But they didn't know we had drank His new wine.

As we prophesied in the word long ago,

God was pouring His spirit on people below,

Jesus had redeemed the world Adam lost,

That day in God's word is called Pentecost.

*****

God blesses those who work for peace, 


for they will be called the children of God. (Matt 5:9)