Children of God, let us rejoice in the day of Pentecost! We give thanks to God for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Today is a day of holy celebration.
Siblings in Christ, we are inheritors of the work of the church- work done by apostles and preachers, disciples and teachers, lay leaders and children, followers of the Way of Jesus and their loving neighbors.
Today is a day of holy celebration.
We come to this place- perhaps not recently from Mesopotamia or Cappadocia or Phrygia and Pamphylia- but from other states, cities, and townships. We come from states of doubt, rejoicing, and curiosity, drawn here together by the Holy Spirit.
Today is a day of holy celebration.
Peter assured those who heard the many languages of the apostles that they were not drunk, but overwhelmed by the power of the Spirit.
Today is a day of holy dedication.
Those who were gathered to celebrate the giving of the law, the Torah, were awed by the fire of the Spirit, pouring forth in line with the teaching of Jesus- burning away divisions and clearing a path for unity.
Today is a day of holy dedication.
The work of the Holy Spirit always brings order out of chaos- as it did in the beginning over the face of the darkness, on the day of Pentecost, and in the church across creation today.
Today is a day of holy dedication.
The Holy Spirit has been poured out and move, unrestricted, over young and old, without regard to race, gender expression, physical or mental ability, or sexual orientation.
Today is a day of holy inspiration.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control- are not mix and match, but are planted and nourished in the words and deeds of those who have been found by grace in the Way of Jesus.
Today is a day of holy inspiration.
We give thanks, with our whole hearts, bodies, and minds, for the power and pervasive love of the Holy Spirit, which guides our prayers, preserves our faith, and leads us into path of righteousness for God’s own sake. We are awed and appreciative.
Today is a day of holy inspiration.
Thanks be to God! Amen!
Submitted by Rev Julia Seymour, Lutheran Church of Hope, Anchorage, AK
recent comments