Greetings brethren and happy Sabbath!  Tonight at sunset begins the annual Pentecost weekend, with the weekly Sabbath first, and then Pentecost - the one holy day that always falls on a Sunday.

What's it mean?

So what does Pentecost mean? It means 'count fifty.' In Leviticus 23:15-16 we're told, "'And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord." 

The day after the Sabbath mentioned is the Sunday that falls during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (compare verses 10-11).  This was the day the waive sheaf offering was made as well.

What's it all about?

That's interesting, but what's it all about? For ancient Israel, all this symbolism was tied strongly to harvest.  Nothing of the harvest could be eaten before that waive sheaf offering that took place during Unleavened Bread.  Pentecost, which started 50 days later, was associated with when the rest of the harvest could could begin.

Why is it so important

As you'll no doubt be hearing more about this weekend, Pentecost is a pivotal day in God's Holy Day plan. It was on that day that the Holy Spirit came, which gives us the power we possess today.  

That power is what makes change and human conversion possible. As this day approaches, let us remember what a wonderful give we've been given, and let's make sure we are using it in every aspect of our lives!