The Holy Spirit Comes

Come and see the day God sent a wonderful Helper to Jesus’ friends! With a sound like rushing wind and little flames of fire, God filled their hearts with joy and began a great big family called the church.

After Jesus went home to heaven, His friends stayed close together, just as He had asked them to. They gathered in one cozy room, and they waited, and they prayed. Jesus had promised, “I will send you a special Helper,” so they trusted Him and waited some more. Their hearts were quiet and full of hope, wondering what wonderful thing God would do. Together they leaned on God, knowing He always keeps His word.

Then, all at once, something amazing happened! A sound came from heaven like a great rushing wind — whoosh! — and it filled the whole house from floor to roof. It was not a scary storm, but God drawing near, close and strong and good. Jesus’ friends looked up, their eyes wide with wonder. Something brand-new and beautiful was beginning, right there in that little room.

As they looked, little flames like fire appeared in the air, soft and golden and bright. Gently, gently, one tiny flame came to rest on each and every friend. The flames did not burn or hurt — they glowed warm, like the love of God Himself. Each person felt chosen and dear, lit up with God’s wonderful gift. The whole room shimmered with that warm and happy light.

Right then, every friend was filled all the way up with the Holy Spirit, God’s own special Helper. Their hearts grew brave and glad and bursting with joy. They could even speak in new languages they had never learned before! God’s Spirit was inside them now, helping them and guiding them along. They were not afraid anymore — they felt strong and full of love.

So out the door they went, and their friend Peter stood up tall to tell everyone the good news about Jesus. People came from near and far, and they listened, and about three thousand people believed! That very day a great big new family was born — the church, all the people who love God together. God’s Spirit had helped them, just as Jesus promised. And God still helps us today, always close, always loving us so.

Thank You, God, for sending Your Holy Spirit to help us and make us brave. Thank You for the church, Your big and happy family, where we all get to love You together.