The Revd Canon Paul Hardingham from Parish Pump, considers how the Holy Spirit can change our lives. Pentecost The celebration of Pentecost this month could be described as a birthday party for the Church, as we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first disciples (Acts 2:1-13). What are we celebrating? God’s Promise: The disciples obeyed Jesus’ instructions as they gathered in the Upper Room: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised’ (1:4). They met expectantly in prayer for God’s promised gift. Just as we look forward to birthday presents, how eager are we to receive more of the Spirit in our lives? God’s Power: ‘All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit’ (4). The disciples needed the power of the Spirit to be different: not fearfully gathered behind locked doors, but energised to make Christ known. The Spirit can transform our lives into the likeness of Jesus and give gifts to equip our witness. Although the disciples’ experience of this power was overwhelming, it was essentially an encounter with God’s love. For us, this can be equally emotional or quiet, but all are included, and nobody is excluded from this experience. 4
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