The word Pentecost comes
from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” The feast is celebrated fifty days
after Easter Sunday, which is why it always falls at the end of the Easter
season. The event of Pentecost is described in Acts 2. The apostles were
gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a mighty wind filled the house,
and “tongues as
of fire” appeared and rested on each of them. Filled with the
Holy Spirit, they began to speak in different languages, proclaiming the mighty
works of God to Jews from many nations who had gathered in the city.
Pentecost is
important because it reveals the Holy Spirit’s mission in the life of the
Church. Jesus did not leave his disciples to carry out the gospel by their own
strength. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, sanctify, strengthen, and unite
them.
Pentecost is
often called the “birthday of the Church.” I remember as a child celebrating this
special day with my family. It was a day that included a special meal and a
cake for dessert. We celebrated the Holy Spirit in a special way that day.
One of my
favorite Pentecost hymns is Send Us Your Spirit by Dan Schutte
1. Send us your spirit O Lord. Evening enfolds us and
holds us too near. Wake the morning light. Make our living bright. Shine on our darkness O Lord.
2. Hold us with mercy O Lord. Sorrow
has spoken, has broken our hearts. Clothe us in your care. Be the life we
bear. Feed us and fill us O Lord.
3. Teach us your wisdom O Lord. Shadows
have clouded, have crowded our sight. Give us hearts that see. Set our
loving free. Hear us and help us O Lord.
4. Send us good summer O Lord. Winters have chilled us and stilled u too long. Give us love's own fire. Be our true desire. Send us yoru spirit O Lord. .
© Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn
Music, 1985.
May we see the
Spirit among us in a new way today.