You may have heard that today is Pentecost. If you’re new to Christianity or unfamiliar with the faith as a whole, you may not know what it is — and you might be afraid to ask. Here’s a rundown of what the day is and the meaning behind it.

Pentecost: The Basics

Pentecost is a significant day in Christianity, happening 50 days after Easter, a day when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected after his crucifixion. It comes from the Greek word meaning 50.

Why it’s Important

This day is important because it marks an event when a special force, called the Holy Spirit, is believed to have come down to Jesus’ followers. This Holy Spirit is seen as an important part of the Christian God who consists of three distinct individuals all sharing the same Godly nature, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

A Surprising Event

Something incredible happened when the Holy Spirit came – Jesus’ followers, who were ordinary people, suddenly found themselves able to speak in different languages. This wasn’t for fun — it was so they could share the teachings of Jesus with people from different places and backgrounds.

Pentecost: A Celebration

Christians celebrate this day, often using the color red as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It’s kind of like a special anniversary, marking the time when Jesus’ followers gained the courage and ability to share his teachings far and wide.

Why Pentecost Matters

This day is viewed as a key moment in the growth of the Christian faith. It’s seen as the day when the church — the community of Christians — really began to grow and spread. So, Pentecost is not just a historical event for Christians but also a celebration of the Christian faith reaching out to the whole world.

Tongues of Fire

Ever wonder why some Christian denominations like Methodists and Presbyterians use flames or fire as part of their symbols? It comes from Pentecost. The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts describes the Holy Spirit descending on Christ’s followers as being like “tongues of fire.”