The ‘Splainer: ‘Gifts’ of Pentecost and Shavuot

Kimberly Winston

(RNS) This weekend marks the holy days of Pentecost and Shavuot, two of the most important holy days to Christians and Jews respectively. And both involve certain “gifts” that don’t come with wrapping and bows. Let us ‘Splain … - See more at: http://www.religionnews.com/2015/05/21/splainer-gifts-pentecost-shavuot/#sthash.Jd8QgHME.dpuf

Q: What is Pentecost ?

A: Pentecost Sunday (May 24) marks the day most Christians believe the Holy Spirit descended on the followers of Jesus after his death, resurrection and ascension. The story comes from the New Testament Book of Acts: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Jesus’ followers were amazed — they could speak languages they never knew before and they could understand others they had never heard. The Apostle Peter stood up and preached his first sermon — so many Christians think of this holiday as the “birthday” of the church.

- See more at: http://www.religionnews.com/2015/05/21/splainer-gifts-pentecost-shavuot/#sthash.Jd8QgHME.dpuf