Music Notes

May brings us the season of Pentecost, an important time of remembrance for the church. While not as celebrated as Christmas or Easter, it plays just as important a role. Without Pentecost, we would not have the Holy Spirit – the Comforter, Jesus’ presence with us spiritually in his physical absence. It is an important reminder that God’s presence is continually available to us, leading us into all truth. Not only that, but Pentecost signified that God’s message was for everyone. People were in Jerusalem from all over the world during Pentecost, when the disciples spoke through the Holy Spirit in other languages. God wanted everyone to be able to hear the gospel and good news. How appropriate it is, then, for us to celebrate our international heritage Sunday on Pentecost. We can be reminded that the gospel has gone out into all the world – to every nation and people, and is still on its way out to those who have not heard. The Holy Spirit has given us many gifts to bring us together as one body, one of which is music. It is an international language, crossing all cultures and time, which people have used to communicate with one another, and more importantly, with God. No matter what our heritage or culture, we can each find a way to use God’s gift of music to recognize His continued presence with us in the Holy Spirit, and to give Him praise for the many blessings in our lives.