Big Idea:

God sent the Holy Spirit so that Jesus' good news could spread to the whole world.

Read Together

Acts 2:4– "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Acts 2:21– "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

The Story

After Jesus rose from the dead and went back to heaven, His followers waited in Jerusalem just like He told them to. Then on the special day called Pentecost, something amazing happened!

A sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house. Little flames, like tongues of fire, appeared above each person's head. And suddenly everyone was speaking in different languages! People from all over the world were in Jerusalem, and they each heard the good news about Jesus in their own language.

Some people thought the disciples were crazy. But Peter stood up and explained: "This is what God promised long ago. He has sent His Spirit, and if you call on the name of Jesus, you will be saved."

That very day, about 3,000 people believed and were baptized. The church was born!

Advent Connection

Christmas is about God sending His Son into the world. Pentecost is about Jesus sending His Spirit into our hearts. The Spirit helps us believe, helps us pray, and helps us share the good news with others.

Talk About It

• What special signs showed the Spirit had come? • How many people believed in Jesus that day? • How does the Holy Spirit help us today?

Activity

Wind and Fire Game

• Use a fan or blow gently to make strips of red/orange/yellow paper "flames" dance. • Talk about how the Spirit came like wind and fire at Pentecost.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for coming to live in us. Help us to love Jesus, obey Him, and tell others the good news. Amen.

Family Challenge

At dinner, teach each person to say "Jesus loves you" in another language (you can look them up together). Then remind each other: the good news is for the whole world.