The Christian Church of which the Moravians is a part, is not satisfied to dwell only upon our Lord’s redemptive work in general, but has also recommended the several essential points in that redemptive work for specific observance. From this has risen the calendar of festive seasons, which comprises in historical sequence the whole counsel of God for the salvation of the world, to include men and women everywhere.

The love of God the Father, who gave his only begotten Son, is mediated upon in the Advent and Christmas seasons; the Missionary Task of the Church is emphasized in the season of Epiphany; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, rose again, and ascended to heaven, in the season of Lent, Passion Week and Easter to Ascension Day; the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, at Whitsunday or Pentecost; and a thankful review of all that divine grace has done for our Salvation on Trinity Sunday and the Sunday following.

Besides the general festivals, we have in our congregations special historical Memorial days.

Today is Whitsunday or Pentecost and maybe the first in our life time, that Mother’s Day and Whitsunday falls on the same day. This might prove to be a very significant occasion as we seek to Reclaim, Build up and Affirm the Family. The Family has been under attack from every side and so the Church is challenged and called upon to maintain strong family values. Moravians are especially challenged to maintain these values, for strong families, lead to strong communities.

What then is the significance of Pentecost or Whitsunday? Pentecost or Whitsunday is when the Church celebrates is “birthday”, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples, as recorded in the book of Acts and chapter 2. The word Pentecost is from the Greek word meaning 50, as Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter, not counting the Sundays. The day is also known as Whitsunday or “Whitesunday”, because in the early Church candidates for Baptism on that day wore white garments. Traditionally in the Moravian Church, Whitsunday has been seen and used as a very significant occasion for Confirmation, as we seek to Reclaim and Reinforce the powerful symbolism of the Holy Spirit descending upon the Disciples, which gave birth to the Church and set it on FIRE for the Master. Pentecost or Whitsunday is a powerful reminder that the entire Church without exception ought to be filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, just before His Ascension, instructed the Disciples gathered in Jerusalem that He would send the Holy Spirit to comfort them. He therefore charged them, not to leave Jerusalem until they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew then and He knows now, that no one can be effective in the Kingdom of God unless he or she is covered by His blood and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We need a Church where men and women are filled with the Pentecostal power of the Holy Spirit. Is there a Witness for the Lord?