Over the weekend I came across some pictures of birthday celebrations of my own children.  Last week one of my students reminded the grade 3 class that it will be her birthday on Tuesday, May 25th which is today.  Happy birthday!  Who doesn’t like birthdays?  Who doesn’t like to celebrate with balloons, decorations, cake, candles, gifts, and loved ones?

The Christian Church just celebrated its birthday this past Sunday on the day that is called  Pentecost.  Pentecost wasn’t a new celebration to the Jews living during the times of the Old and New Testament, as it was initially known as a Feast of Weeks to celebrate the “firstfruits” of the wheat harvest, and followed 50 days after the Passover (or for Christians 50 days after Easter).  Just like the wine and bread took a new significance when Jesus died on the cross, Pentecost took on a new significance.  It became the birthday for the Church.  The “firstfruits” of the Church were gathered and heard the Apostle Peter’s preaching as the Holy Spirit came and filled the disciples as was promised by Jesus when he ascended.  You can read that story in Acts 2.

Check out these seventeen ways that the Spirit helps us, especially the last point: http://www.westhillscc.com/uploads/1/2/9/6/12965109/17_ways_the_holy_spirit_helps_us.pdf  and may we strive to be a Spirit filled people (students, teachers, parents, board, WCS members) filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  

                                                                                                                                 Greg Hiemstra