What Is Pentecost?

From the Greek meaning “fifty,” the festival of Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles on the fiftieth day after Easter. On this day, we worship the Lord, who gives life to His Church, by decorating the church in red and by focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit.

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1–4).

Following the festival of Pentecost, the season of Pentecost remembers the Early Church as the Gospel spread. During this time in the Church Year, we focus on growing together in the life of the Holy Trinity. Green decorates the altar, reminding us that just as plants need water and nourishment, so we can only grow by living in our Baptisms and receiving the Lord’s Word and Sacraments.

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Location Credit: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church