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PENTCOST
FIRE - GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit blew like a wind over the people. It was an amazing event.
The power of God was present. The visual manifestation was FIRE; tongues of
fire. The Holy Spirit which at the Baptism of Jesus appeared like a gentle,
peaceful dove now is more in the likeness of flames, powerful fiery flames.
The thousands who had gathered from many various countries each understood in
their own language what the disciples were telling them about Jesus the
Christ. Fire, in scripture, is understood as an agent for refining. The Holy
Spirit purifies us in the waters of Baptism and refines us in the flames of
Pentecost. When I think of being refined I think of how heat can make metals
harder. When people experience a lot of "heat" in their lives they
will become angrier and callus. Our hardness insulates us from others and
protects us from hurt and pain. While the refining of the Holy Spirit
emboldens and empowers us; it makes us stronger, but not as our culture
measures strength.
The Fire of Pentecost, the presence of the
Holy Spirit gives us all the strength that we need in order that we might not
be callus and angry. It gives us the strength to be soft and open to others.
The gifts which the Spirit manifests in us are Compassion, Generosity,
Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness, and Love. Col. 3: 12- 1
The decor in our sanctuary reminds us of the
peacefulness of the Holy Spirit which comes like a dove and with the refining
power of the gifts to set us ablaze in God's love.
Come HOLY
SPIRIT
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Michael Rehak and Pira Mueller
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Liturgical Art Committee
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