Pentecost!

I have a confession. My first celebrity obsession? Not a pop star. Not an athlete. Big Bird.

Okay, maybe “crush” isn’t the right word, but I was totally a fan. Back then, Sesame Street was appointment viewing, and we could only catch it at certain times. Fast forward to today, and you can find Big Bird and the gang on YouTube, TikTok, and anywhere you look. Need a laugh? Grover’s got you. Feeling grouchy? Oscar totally gets it.

Here’s what I love most about Sesame Street. It’s not just a kid’s show. Every episode is packed with life lessons, taught in a way that sticks with us long after we grow up. It reminds me of Sundays with my family or community moments at church. Simple, a little silly, but life-changing all the same.

Now, this Sunday is Pentecost. It’s the celebration of the Holy Spirit being given to the disciples. You might be thinking, “Wait, what does Pentecost have in common with puppet monsters and singing ABCs?” But hear me out.

Pentecost Is More than a One-Time Event

Sometimes we treat Pentecost like it’s a highlight reel from the Bible. Fire! Wind! Tongues! Boom. The Spirit shows up, and the disciples are never the same. But what if Pentecost is happening all the time, not just once a year?

Romans 8, verses 14–17 says this:

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God… the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Did you see that? The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us. It connects us, grows us, and gives us purpose. It’s what moves us from feeling lost and aimless (sound familiar?) to knowing we’re part of something bigger. That’s why a simple kids’ show can feel so powerful—we’re reminded, just like on Pentecost, that we belong, we’re loved, and we’re not alone.

Faith like a Child, Power like the Spirit

Sesame Street manages to take a complicated world and make it feel “a-ok.” That’s the Spirit’s work, too. When we open ourselves to God’s Spirit, we’re empowered to live more joyfully, love more deeply, and serve more boldly. Even on days when life feels a little…well…grumpy.

This Sunday, as we celebrate Pentecost, I hope you’ll remember that the Spirit’s gift isn’t locked up in ancient history. It’s here, now, waiting to empower you. Even if you don’t know what you need, that’s okay. Just show up. Come with your questions, your doubts, even your Oscar-the-Grouch moments.

P. S. – If you feel like you could use a little more “a-ok” in your life, you are invited. Bring your whole family, invite your neighbors, and join us this Sunday at 11 as we celebrate Pentecost. Come find out how the gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us all to live with courage, purpose, and joy.

See you Sunday. Bring your spirit. Bring your questions. Bring your Big Bird energy.