Theme of the Day: The Spirit Marches Victorious Through The Word
Jesus, the God-man, has ascended into heaven to represent the world before his Father as mankind’s advocate. That did not mean the victory march of the gospel would be halted. As promised, Jesus sent another advocate. One the Day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit exactly as he had said. This shift leads us to ask an important question: If God reveals himself during these last days by his Holy Spirit, where is the Spirit to be found? When Jesus walked the earth, locating God’s revelation was simple. It was anchored to the person of Jesus Christ. Now that God reveals himself by his Spirit, where do we go to hear him? God has never left that question in doubt. Jesus said that the Spirit’s work was connected to words. God could have chosen any way that he wanted to deal with us. And so, “we ought and must constantly maintain this point, that God does not wish to deal with us otherwise than through the spoken Word and Sacraments” (Smalcald Articles, III, VIII). We never need wonder where we can find him.
John 14:23-27
Genesis 11:1-9
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104
962 – Hail Thee, Festival Day
585 – Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord
586 – Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
566 – Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us
589 – Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid
Prayer of the Day: Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day with your sevenfold gift of grace. Rekindle in our hearts the holy fire of your love that in a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.