'We must still ensure we celebrate special occasions during lockdown'

Birthdays have been celebrated via video calls with family and friends

In the absence of family gatherings, parties or meals out, there has been a lot of creativity in marking special occasions.

We have seen people come to their front gates and have distancing parties. We have seen convoys of cars drive past the window of a loved one with horns blowing and shouts of celebration.

And we have seen virtual parties on numerous online meeting platforms. I wonder, what is the most ingenious celebration that you have heard of?

There is one thing for certain, the community spirit is not dead and our wonderful human creativity is defying this lock down.

On Sunday, May 31, it is the birthday of the Christian Church. Pentecost is the day when the believers of Jesus, who had been in lockdown after the

resurrection of Jesus, were suddenly empowered by the Holy Spirit and given anew boldness to declare the name of Jesus in the streets. Boundaries were broken down as people of different nations, cultures and backgrounds all heard about God’s love for them.

Thousands were added to those who believed and a community of faith was formed. They looked after each other, worshipped together and served the needs of the poor and disadvantaged.

And from that moment, the Holy Spirit has remained. Those who have faith have been filled and have joined the church, which today is global and still growing.

Some would say, that the church is now closed. Absolutely not.

Buildings are closed, but the Church is more alive than ever and the reach of the Church has extended into the homes of many who would not have contemplated stepping over the threshold of a church building.

The Church is still worshipping, caring for those who belong to it and joining in with caring for the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our communities.

I do wish that we could gather and celebrate our birthday together, but if you surf the web, you will find a multitude of Church communities celebrating Pentecost in many creative ways and you are welcome to join in.