05/20/2026
Will You Be Celebrating Pentecost Sunday?
Pentecost
Pentecost is a very special celebration to the Jewish people. It commemorates the supernatural giving of God’s Law at Mount Sinai. Jewish families celebrate with joy, gathering together, dressing in festive clothing, and enjoying beautiful celebrations and fireworks displays. It was one of the three major feasts every Jewish male was required to attend.
The word Pentecost means “fifty” because it takes place fifty days after Passover.
Pentecost Is Important to Christians Too
Pentecost is also one of the most important events in the history of the Christian Church.
The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost changed the world forever.
We see Holy Spirit moving throughout the Old Testament beginning in Genesis, but primarily as a visitor who came upon certain individuals for specific tasks or moments. But Pentecost marked something entirely different.
Pentecost was the introduction of Holy Spirit to believers as:
• “The Promise”
• “The Gift”
• God’s abiding presence for every believer
St. Augustine explained it beautifully:
“He was now to come no longer as a transient Visitor, but as an eternal inhabitant.”
More Than a Date on the Calendar
Sometimes I think the church has lost sight of a simple reality every bride understands:
“After the wedding… you get to keep the man.”
I’ve lived thankful for that reality in my own marriage for over 40 years. (Okay… there may have been a few days I wasn’t quite as thankful as I should have been!)
The church absolutely should celebrate Pentecost.
But Pentecost is more than remembering a date on the calendar.
It is about celebrating a relationship.
If we celebrate Pentecost without truly receiving and walking with the Holy Spirit, we will lack the power we need to live as overcomers.
Celebrate the Relationship
Many believers can point back to a moment when they received the Holy Spirit, yet never truly develop a daily relationship with Him.
It’s time to discover:
• who He is
• why Jesus emphasized waiting for Him
• why believers still need His power today
Jesus told His disciples:
“Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
— Luke 24:49 BSB
I still love that old King James word:
endued
— clothed with power.
Pentecost Sunday Is a Beautiful Time to Begin
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday.
I hope you’ll celebrate — not merely a historical event, but the relationship believers can have with the Holy Spirit today.
If you don’t really know who Holy Spirit is, Pentecost Sunday is a wonderful day to begin your journey of discovery.
The Bible gives us beautiful snapshots of Him:
• wind
• fire
• water
• oil
• breath
• power
• gift
Each picture helps us understand a little more about who He is and how He works in our lives.
Of course, knowing Him is a lifelong journey. He is so wonderful and so vast that our minds can only begin to grasp the greatness of who He is.
Even if you are already Spirit-filled, ask Him to turn on the light of Scripture so you can see Him more clearly and enjoy the benefits of relationship with Him at a deeper level.
In February, I shared my journey through the book of Acts with you. Several of you asked if I would make the teachings available in audio format so you could listen while driving, walking, working, or simply while on the go.
I’m excited to tell you that beginning May 24 — Pentecost Sunday — I’ll be releasing those devotional teachings one day at a time!
I hope you’ll join me on this journey through Acts as we explore the work and wonder of the Holy Spirit together.
You’ll be able to listen here daily, or even better, subscribe to “Pat’s View” on your favorite podcast platform like Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
📅 Remember the date: May 24 — Pentecost Sunday!
And if you’d like to go deeper in your understanding of the Holy Spirit, my book Precious Holy Spirit is also available in paperback, audio, and digital formats.
🌿 Learn more here: patriciaholland.org/precious-holy-spirit/
📚 Precious Holy Spirit
The book Precious Holy Spirit was written to help believers grow in their understanding of the Holy Spirit and discover the joy of Spirit-filled living.
Using seven biblical pictures and practical stories, the book helps readers explore:
• who Holy Spirit is
• why Pentecost matters
• how He helps believers today
• the benefits of Spirit-filled living
What Folks Are Saying
Scott Berkey
“Pat takes readers step by step through the Bible and paints an incredible picture of who the Holy Spirit is in the life of the believer.”
Dr. Jim Garrett
“I strongly recommend the book Precious Holy Spirit by Patricia Holland. I would especially recommend it for pastors, parents, children’s leaders, and anyone who desires to communicate the truth about the Holy Spirit. I was reminded of both His magnitude and His simplicity.”
Nick Krake
“I finished ‘reading’ your book, but I’m not done with it. I still go back and read my notes and highlighted passages. I wish every Christian in America, including Pentecostals, would read it!”
Esther Wilder
“It’s a fabulous book!”
Pastor Ken
“From cover to cover, Pat Holland combines the richness of biblical Pentecost with the availability of life-giving experiences for the modern believer. Her personal stories make truths about the Holy Spirit easy to grasp, while inspiring seasoned believers to rediscover the power found in the Book of Acts.”
The Book Precious Holy Spirit is written to help believers experience the person, Holy Spirit, that came to fill believers and empower them to live overcoming lives.
