How often do you have family gatherings? Do you have family reunions? Do you have smaller and larger family get togethers? What determines when you come together and who is part of it? Are the gatherings special? Do you cherish them, more so as you get older?
Family gatherings can be great. They provide us an opportunity to catch up with family members we haven’t seen in a while. They can include a lot of fun. We gather for birthday parties, Christmas, Easter, and other special days. We may attend a family reunion.
The disciples gathered as a group on Pentecost. Pentecost is the Jewish holiday that is celebrated fifty days after the Passover. What happened at their gathering was completely unexpected. Though Jesus had told them to wait, and He would send the Holy Spirit. The disciples had no idea when nor how that would be manifested.
As they were gathered, the Holy Spirit came upon them. It was indicated by what looked like tongues of fire above their heads and the sound of a loud, rushing wind. The disciples then began to speak in languages they did not know so that everyone who heard them speaking of Jesus could understand them.
We gather on Pentecost Sunday to remember the gift of the Holy Spirit. Though some may not celebrate it, it is also the considered the birthday of the church. For it is on that day that the disciples began to preach the gospel about Jesus without Him being with them. We continue to meet and celebrate Pentecost because Jesus fulfilled His promise.
I pray we all enjoy family gatherings. I pray we realize it is the gift of the Holy Spirit that brings us all together. I pray each one of us celebrates Pentecost and the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. Enjoy coming together. Be thankful for the Holy Spirit. Celebrate Pentecost. Give thanks for Jesus’ promises.
Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Marty Pressey 