Preparing for Pentecost
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
John 14:16-17, NIV
This is a time of year when we celebrate endings. Many students completed their school year yesterday. Others will finish today or next week. It is a time to celebrate high school and college graduations. Even some of our favorite television shows end their season and go on summer hiatus. Road traffic lightens up as commuters go on vacation.
During this time of endings, it can be tempting to view Pentecost as yet another ending. It marks the end of our festive season that began with Easter. It is as if Jesus provided a rip-roaring season finale. However, I don’t think that’s the best way to see Pentecost.
Pentecost is less like a graduation and more like a wedding. At a wedding (at least in a good wedding), we celebrate what has happened to bring the couple together and what God will do in their new life together. The bride and bridegroom are transformed into husband and wife. Their lives apart have ended and their new life together has begun.
This Sunday, as we celebrate Pentecost, remember the new beginning that God gave the church through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Remember that Jesus kept His promise to His disciples (and to us!). Remember that the gift of the Holy Spirit is for the good of the entire church, not merely individuals.
Join us on Sunday as we celebrate Whitsunday. If you cannot attend in person, please join us on our livestream through our Facebook or YouTube Channels. You can visit our website and click on the Worship With Us tab for direct links.
A Prayer for Today
Almighty God, on the Day of Pentecost, your poured out your Holy Spirit onto believers from every part of the known world, bringing near those who were far off; draw us near and fill your Church with the power of your Spirit that, filled with faith and courage, we might proclaim your good news to a world in need, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
