Pentecost has been called “the birthday of the Church” for good reason, because this Christian holiday celebrates the Holy Spirit’s personal entrance into the lives of ordinary people to encourage us, instruct us and empower us to live by faith in Jesus Christ.
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.
…This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
“‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”—Acts 2:1-4; 16-17 (abbreviated for length and clarity)
On the evening when Jesus would later be betrayed and arrested, just after the Last Supper, he told his disciples to expect the Holy Spirit to come and be with them in his absence as an Advocate. Just as he promised, after Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended back to heaven, God poured out his own personal presence in the Holy Spirit to remind us of all Jesus said and did and to enable Christians to engage in the work of God today.
If you need God’s help and empowerment in your life, ask him to guide and help you by his Holy Spirit; then, be ready to follow his leading.
Let us pray: Almighty God, Creator, Savior, and Advocate, help us to be open to join you in your work here in our community today. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
For further reading about the Holy Spirit, check out these Bible passages: Joel 2:28-32; John 14:15-31; John 15: 26-27; John 16: 12-15; Acts 2
About Campus Pastor Laura Kozamchak: I joined Presbyterian Homes & Services in 2019 as a receptionist as I was finishing my seminary studies. I proceeded to do my internship at Johanna Shores in 2021 and became campus pastor for Harbor Crossing in White Bear Lake, Minn., in June of 2022. Prior to my service with PHS, I served as an educator, including providing music education in Minnesota and the Bahamas where I also served as a children’s minister and outdoor educator. I currently live in New Brighton with my husband David, two dogs, and several freshwater fish tanks in which I enjoy keeping and breeding a variety of fish. When I’m not keeping busy with ministry or my pets, you may find me reading, running or knitting.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
