Recently, I had a conversation with someone who asked me about the Holy Spirit. Like me, this individual grew up in church as a Lutheran, and yet, was uncertain about who the Spirit is and what the Spirit does. Maybe you find yourself asking similar questions, and if so, you’re not alone. There are two great mysteries in the Christian faith: the Incarnation of God becoming human (John 1:1-14 ESV - The Word Became Flesh - In the - Bible Gateway) and the Holy Trinity, one God in three Persons, revealed at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13-17 ESV - The Baptism of Jesus - Then Jesus came - Bible Gateway). With many other Christians throughout the world, we confess our faith in the Apostles’ Creed, which is divided into three articles, each confessing one of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The First Article focuses on God the Father, and the work of creating and sustaining all things, seen and unseen. The Second Article focuses on God the Son, and the work of redemption through his life and ministry, his death and resurrection. So far, so good.

We look around us and see the work of God the Father in the glory of earth, sea, and sky. Especially in the beauty of this spring season, we rejoice in the good gifts of the Father’s creating hand that has brought all things into existence, ourselves included. Creation itself is something concrete as it engages all of our senses. The cross of Jesus is a silent but constant reminder to us of all that God the Son has done for us and for our salvation. Through the shedding of his blood on the tree of the cross, we have been restored to a right relationship with our heavenly Father. The cross also is something concrete – a visual reminder – that points us to this sacrifice of love. But what about the Holy Spirit? This is where things become much less concrete and much more abstract. Although Scripture records some concrete things on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2 ESV - The Coming of the Holy Spirit - When - Bible Gateway) like the rush of a mighty wind and tongues of fire resting on the disciples, the person and work of the Holy Spirit seems much more fluid and abstract.

In the life of the Christian Church, the Day of Pentecost is celebrated exactly fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection. Pentecost is the fiftieth and final day of the great fifty days of Easter. This year, the Day of Pentecost will fall on Sunday, May 23. The Christian year revolves around three main festivals, each celebrating one of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. Christmas celebrates the gift of God the Father in giving his only Son. Easter celebrates the resurrection of God the Son in rising from death and the grave. Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of God the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s people. There are many customs and traditions associated with Christmas: Christmas trees, Christmas cards and carols, gifts and special meals. Easter also has customs associated with it: dyeing of Easter eggs and egg hunts, Easter baskets and chocolate treats. But what about Pentecost? The commercial world has bypassed this festival, perhaps because the Holy Spirit is too abstract to put onto a greeting card. And maybe this is a good thing. Pentecost is something of a blank slate which we are free to develop into whatever special customs and traditions that are appropriate. How will we celebrate this great festival?

Getting back to that person’s question about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, I believe one of the best answers to this question is what the reformer, Dr. Martin Luther, wrote in his explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith” (3rd Article | Book of Concord). There it is: “the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel.” That’s what the Spirit does: calls to us through the Word that is read, taught, and proclaimed, drawing our hearts and minds to faith in Jesus and all that he has done for us. Clothed in Jesus’ own righteousness, we are spotless and blameless to stand before the Father. This is what the Holy Spirit and Pentecost are all about. The ancient prayer of God’s people is one we still pray today: “Come, Holy Spirit, come, and fill the hearts of your faithful people with the fire of your love.”

A blessed Pentecost to you through the fire and power of the Holy Spirit.