By this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. —1 John 3:24
Today, along with the rest of the Western church, we remember the events of the day of Pentecost. Known as
Whitsunday in the English-speaking world, this celebration focuses on the giving of the Holy Spirit to the church. 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. Fittingly, on this day when we remember the
gift of God’s Spirit, we come to a passage in 1 John that reminds us that we are only able to keep the commandments,
to love one another, and to overcome the world through the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we worship this morning, let’s
give thanks for the Spirit who is always at work within us, fanning the flames of love. —Henry C. Haffner