First the word. Then the meaning(s). Then the amazing powerful implications.

Pentecost did not begin with the Christian Church. Its roots are found in the Jewish celebration of the Festival of Weeks, typically called Shavuot by Jewish people. A celebration held fifty days after Passover. So, it was also often referred to as
Pentecost – fifty (days).

There are other Hebrew names for this celebration:
"Yom HaBikkurim" (The Day of First Fruits),
"Chag HaKatzir" (Harvest Festival).

That this namesake Jewish festival has come to represent for the Christian Church a celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the empowering of the disciples witness to God’s work in Jesus, has deep and profound implications.

The fire of Pentecost stirs the imagination! On this day we celebrate the first fruits of the resurrection. A new creation breaking through setting the world ablaze. As the Spirit breathed life into the creation in the beginning, so now the fresh breeze of the Spirit breathes new life into all creation

The Spirit ignites new life in a fractured and faltering human creation. In this life of the Spirit is the powerful promise of reconciliation, with God, within ourselves, with others, and with the whole of God’s creation.

In the Spirit’s gracious presence and power, we become part of the first fruits of God’s celebration of redeemed and renewed life. God’s great harvest festival is under way! And, we get to part of the workers in the vineyards!

Thanks be to God!