Happy birthday to the church today! We celebrate Pentecost today, also called the birthday of the church. In today's writing, "BIRTHDAY CANDLES," find out how that relates to the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"BIRTHDAY CANDLES"
by
Jan Andersen
Many countries have the tradition of serving special decorated cakes to celebrate birthdays. The number of candles on the cake generally equals the age of the person who is being honored. Sometimes a candle in the shape of a number is used instead… especially helpful for higher numbers/older ages, as they don’t want to create a fire hazard or coat the cake in wax drippings while they attempt to blow them all out! Another tradition is to make a wish before blowing out all the candles, preferable all at once. Some say not to share what that wish was with anyone or it will not “come true.”
Now imagine trying to light about 2,000 candles on a huge cake! Today our church celebrates Pentecost, also sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Christian church nearly 2000 years ago. Pentecost occurs on the 50th day after Easter. It is the day we celebrate God sending the Holy Spirit down to the disciples which appeared like tongues of fire upon their heads, after Jesus had ascended into heaven. This gift of the Spirit was accompanied by the disciples speaking so that those from all the different countries who were gathered in Jerusalem at the time heard them speaking as if in their own languages. The disciples were sent out and the Gospel of the Lord was able to be spread throughout the world, hence it being called the birthday of the church.
Acts 2:1-21 (NIV) 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 [languages] as the Spirit enabled them.
As a child I saw the pictures of the disciples with tongues of fire on their heads and thought they looked like birthday candle flames. I had no idea at that time that Pentecost was also called the birthday of the church. Now I can’t get that image out of my mind. But the flame of the Spirit is not one I want to make a wish upon and blow out. I don’t have to depend upon keeping a secret to make a wish come true - I have a God to whom I can come with all my prayers and requests, secret or not, who will only give me what is best for me in His sight. The tongues of fire are a visible sign of His Spirit who plants faith in our hearts - a faith meant to be shared with others. This is a flame we want to fan into a wildfire for God!
Each of us are called to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the world. Some are called to be missionaries to other countries. However, many of us are tasked to share the Word with those right next to us - our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone with whom we come into contact throughout our days. We need to take the Gospel out into the darkness and let it shine to the lost, the depressed, the lonely and hurting. Let’s make sure we show our excitement for the Lord and what He has done in our lives, so others will want what we have and pass it on. May we be a light to the world - candles for Christ!
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your gift of the Holy Spirit bringing faith in your Son, Jesus, into our hearts. Keep that flame of faith burning in our lives as we reach out to others. Help us to be like thousands of candles in the world lighting the way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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Song:
Kathy Triccoli
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries
Blog Writers
Sandy Billingham, Karen Bennett,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,
Bre Miller, Betty Espindola, Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, Debbie Rodriguez, Carol Steficek,
Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa
Sandy Billingham, Karen Bennett,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,
Bre Miller, Betty Espindola, Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, Debbie Rodriguez, Carol Steficek,
Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa
I always loved learning about the early church, and teaching classes on the church in Acts. This is a lovely article Jan. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteJan, I know the story of Pentecost, but as usual your wonderful writing skills are very illuminating. Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Corinne