Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…
—Acts 2:2-4
This morning, along with the rest of the Western church, we remember the events of the day of Pentecost recorded in the book of Acts. Known as Whitsunday in the English-speaking world, this celebration focuses on the coming of the Holy Spirit. Red is used on the bulletin cover and in the decorations in the sanctuary to remind us of the tongues of flame which fell upon the disciples in the upper room. Hymns such as Come, O Creator Spirit Blest, Come Down O Love Divine, Spirit Of The Living God, Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Thy Word, Breathe On Me Breath Of God, and There Is A Redeemer celebrate the “Comforter of priceless worth,” who promises to “fall fresh on [us],” visits us with “ardor glowing,” “fills us with life anew,” and remains with us until our work on earth is done. As we walk through the service this morning let’s be mindful of the Spirit’s work, as He graciously descends to us today every bit as much as He did to the disciples on the first Pentecost, bringing “peace and unity” among the brethren and leading us “out of death to life.” —Henry C. Haffner