Pentecost |
After Jesus was raised from the dead, he met his disciples many times before going back to heaven (the ascension). He told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem 'until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.' (The Bible, Luke chapter 24 verse 49). |
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Flames and a dove are both symbols that Christians use for Holy Spirit. |
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The Jews celebrate Pentecost fifty days after the Passover as a sort of harvest festival. Jesus' followers were in Jerusalem at this time, praying together with the doors locked, because they were scared of being persecuted. Suddenly there was a sound like a stormy wind. Something that looked like flames appeared and settled on each Christian. Suddenly they were aware of God's presence and power in a new way - they were 'filled with the Holy Spirit'. They began speaking in languages they had not known before. They went outside and talked to the crowds of festival pilgrims in many different languages so that everyone could understand what was said. Then Peter stood up and boldly talked about Jesus. Three thousand people believed what Peter said about Jesus, and were baptised. After that day, the Christian church spread dramatically throughout the world. You can read about this for yourself in The Bible, Acts chapter 2. |
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Some churches celebrate by waving ribbons and flags to remember the wind of the Holy Spirit. |
The Priest wears red robes at pentecost to remember the red flames of the Holy Spirit. Churches are decorated with red and white. |
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Some churches go on a 'March of Witness' to show everyone that they believe in Jesus. |
Churches worship together to celebrate the birthday of the Christian church. |
Today, Christians celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the Christian Church. It comes ten days after Ascension Day, which is when Christians remember that Jesus went back to heaven after the resurrection. This year, Pentecost Sunday will be on 11th May. The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as a person - 'he' - not 'it'! Christians believe that God the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and that he helps them to live out the Christian life. You can read about the first Pentecost for Christians in The Bible, Acts chapter 2. |
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Tell Me About ... Pentecost |
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Go to 'Basics - The Trinity' |