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Celebrating the Holy Spirit
Which of the three persons of the Triune God gets the most atten-tion? I suppose the answer to that question is different depending on what crowd is in the room. As Lutherans, we certainly seek to give equal glory to each person, since each plays an indispensable part in our lives.

Even as we may seek to give as much attention to the Holy Spirit as we do the Father and the Son, it doesn’t always play out like that. Ask yourself, what are the three highest or main festivals of the church year? Christmas and Easter are ‘no-brainers’, right? If I were to take a poll of the third festival that gets into that group, I have no doubt that there would be a wide variety of answers.

Ascension might get some attention, since we have had special joint services the past couple years. The same may hold true for Epiphany. Of course, Thanksgiving may be a choice of many, even though it isn’t technically even a church festival. Don’t forget Reformation…even though it is pretty much a Lutheran church festival.

But there is one big one I missed. Did you catch which one that is? Pentecost. It is this day that rounds out the big three as far as festivals are concerned.

You see each of these major festivals celebrates a different person of the Godhead. Christmas celebrates the Father. Yes, I know God’s Son became flesh on that day. But this day truly marks the love of God the Father. You remember the “Gospel in a nutshell”: “God so loved that world that he gave his one and only Son.” We reflect on this truth with hymns like “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”. This is God the Father’s day and we celebrate it by looking in wonder at the tiny baby Jesus, who is the Word made flesh.

Move on to Easter and see that there is no mistaking it: God the Son is the focal point of this celebration. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, accomplished his work as Savior. Having lived a sinless life, he took sin on himself and died. The fact that he didn’t stay dead is what we celebrate. In coming back to life, he assured us of victory. Victory over the power of sin, death and the devil.

That leaves Pentecost, and that leaves the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival that took place 50 days following the Passover. You might recall what also happened at the time of the Passover… Jesus died and then rose. It is then 50 days from the resurrection of our Lord that the Festival of Pente-cost is marked.

And what we mark on that day is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise: “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit came in full force to Jerusalem as Peter and his 10 fellow apostles were gathered together. You will recall the rush of wind and the tongues of fire that showed the Holy Spirit was making a clear entrance into the hearts and lives of these men. The gifts the Spirit distributed that day were the ability to speak in the native tongues of the 1000s gathered for the old Jewish festival.

Only the message that they would proclaim, was one of salvation through Jesus whose life events were swirling around the city. It was those events in Jesus’ life that would be the difference between life and death for all mankind.

The power of the Holy Spirit was evident that day, not only in the apostles themselves, but also in the fact that 3000 people were baptized, entering the kingdom of God.
Where would you and I be without the Spirit’s work? The truth is God chooses to work through Word and Sacrament. That is the means through which the Spirit does his work.

On the calendar we celebrate him on May 23rd with the Festival of Pentecost. And so, let’s give the Spirit his due. Not for the sake of soothing the Spirit’s ego. He doesn’t have one. Don’t think for a moment that the Spirit is jealous that the Father and Son generally take center stage. There is no jealousy to be found in the Triune God. They work together for our good, for our benefit.

Instead, let’s celebrate the Spirit and Pentecost with the knowledge that we would be doomed without him. The Spirit’s work is vital. Let’s celebrate it!

Culturally, Easter and especially Christmas have been very important times of the year. Not so with Pentecost. “I’ll be home for Pentecost” is seldom, if ever, heard. There does not have to be family gatherings, gift exchanges, and big meals in order to make it special. Remember the Spirit’s work in the hearts of thousands 2000 years ago and in the hearts of millions since. And be thankful that your heart is one that has been changed by the Spirit’s power so that you can be listed among the saints of God.

J.D.Roekle