That is what Pentecost means.  Originally to the Old Testament Jews, it was the fiftieth day past the Passover and the Exodus from Egypt.  It was called Shavuot, the Feast of Harvest or Weeks, a celebration of the first fruits of spring and giving thanks to God (Leviticus 23, Exodus 23, 34).  It later became celebrated as day the law was given to Moses on Mt. Sinia, and it is still celebrated to this day. 

On this day, the promised Holy Spirit came in power on the waiting believers in Jerusalem.  The fiftieth day past the death of Jesus.  There were two days in the tomb and the third day he rose.  Then he lived with them for forty days, appearing to many, once appearing to 500 at one time.  It is hard for me to imagine what those days were like, but no doubt full of sheer wonder, exciting joy, and new revelation.  He stayed long enough to convince them he was really alive and to explain to them more of his purposes.  Then on the 40th day, he ascended to heaven, returning to his Father.  After that there were eight days of waiting and then the Spirit came.  In power.  Pentacost.  The fiftieth day.

Today is Pentecost Sunday.  In the Godly Play  curriculum for children (which is too wonderful for words), the one red Sunday on the church calendar, is spoken of as “hot.”  Each time it is mentioned, the teacher touches the red block and moves her hand away quickly, pretending it is hot to the touch.  The day was no doubt “hot.”

Here’s what Acts 2 says: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.  Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.  When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewliderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.  Utterly amazed, they asked “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?  Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own language?.” . . Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

We should ask ourselves this same question today.  Pentecost - what does this mean?  What does it mean for my life?  For my church?  A reversal of the Tower of Babel at its finest.  God bringing together his people from all over the world.  The message of Jesus Christ proclaimed in every language.  The Spirit coming to fulfill the promise of Jesus. I will not leave you as orphans.  I will come to you.  (John 16)  Power to be his witnesses.  The Comforter came.  We are not alone. 

We wear red at our little church on Pentecost Sunday.  We remember the day the Spirit came like tongues of fire.  And today I seek to know a bit more of that power, real power for real life.  In my life, my family, my hurts and failures, my calling.  To live out the mission God has given all of us - to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

(The picture above is a beautiful banner that can be ordered at Pieceful Quilting.)