A Birthday Celebration

But let's dig deeper into what really happened. Before Jesus went back to heaven, He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem. He promised them that something amazing was going to happen - they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Can you imagine waiting for something that important? The disciples didn't know exactly what to expect, but they trusted Jesus enough to obey and wait.

These items which we use to celebrate a birthday are also going to help us to remember what happened in the church on the day of Pentecost. They will also remind us that the Holy Spirit is still at work in the church today - and that includes working through each of you!

Balloons can add a lot to any celebration, but, as you can see, these balloons are flat and lifeless. They need to be filled. They need someone to breathe some life into them. (Blow up the balloon.) The Bible tells us that on the day of Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were all together in one place when suddenly they heard a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind and it filled the whole house. Think about this - it wasn't just a gentle breeze. The Bible says it was like a "mighty rushing wind." That's powerful! Just like this balloon needs air to have purpose and shape, we need the Holy Spirit to give our lives purpose and direction. When you feel discouraged or don't know what God wants you to do, remember that the same Holy Spirit who filled that room 2,000 years ago wants to fill your heart today. What are some ways you think the Holy Spirit might want to work through kids your age?

Like any good birthday cake, our cake is covered with candles. As I light each candle, we are reminded that on the day of Pentecost tongues of fire came and rested upon each of the people in that place and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability. Now, this wasn't just showing off - there was a real purpose. Jerusalem was full of people from many different countries who spoke different languages. When the disciples spoke in these languages, everyone could understand the good news about Jesus in their own language! God wanted everyone to hear about His love. Just as on the day of Pentecost, we need the Holy Spirit to come and light our fire and give us the power to do things which will bring glory to God. Think about your school, your neighborhood, your sports teams - how might God want to use you to share His love with people who are different from you?

What is a birthday celebration without gifts? On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the early church amazing gifts. The Bible tells us about different spiritual gifts - some people received the ability to heal others, some could prophecy or speak God's messages, others could teach with great wisdom, and some could encourage people in special ways. But the greatest gifts the Holy Spirit gave were forgiveness, truth, and a new life. The Holy Spirit offers those same gifts today. He leads us to truth when we're confused about what's right, forgives us when we mess up, and gives us a better way to live. As you're growing up and facing harder decisions about friends, school, and what's right and wrong, the Holy Spirit wants to guide you. Have you ever felt like God was helping you know the right thing to do in a tough situation?

Here's something really cool to think about: that first day when the Holy Spirit came, about 3,000 people decided to follow Jesus! That's like filling up a huge auditorium. And it all started with just 120 people who were willing to wait and pray together. Sometimes you might feel like you're too young to make a difference for God, but remember - the church started with ordinary people who let God work through them. You're part of that same church today!

This has been a great birthday celebration, but it seems to me that there is something we have forgotten. Oh, I know what it is! We forgot to sing "Happy Birthday" to the church. But before we sing, let's remember that we're not just celebrating something that happened long ago - we're celebrating that the Holy Spirit is still working today, and He wants to work through each of you. Let's sing! "Happy birthday to you..."

Dear Father, we thank you for sending the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost, and we thank you that He is still with us today. Help us to be open to how you want to use us, even as kids, to share your love with others. Give us courage to follow you, wisdom to make good choices, and hearts that are ready to serve you. Help us to remember that the same power that started the church is available to us today. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.