Holy Fire

it came
out of nowhere
a great thunderclap of sound
and a rushing roaring wind
powering through the room
like the stormiest gale on a wave-whipped sea
swirling
deafening
threatening
pure unadulterated power
ripping through the space

and a great explosion of fire

saturating the senses
blowing apart all concepts of God
tongues of flame
raining down on us
vibrant infusions
of red, orange, gold
heavenly spotlights
homing in
on their targets

and then

silence

a long, loud silence

as the fireball

dispersed itself
and we were left with
flickering dancing candle flames
resting
on each one of us
with the gentle hypnotic beauty
of fire that danced and blazed
yet did not burn
flames that covered
but didn’t consume

and after the moment

of shock-filled fear
a sense of quiet wonder
rippled through the room

and someone

Matthew I think it was
began to smile
a warm
relaxed
bringing a sparkle to the eyes kind of smile
as the huge relief
of recognition
came upon him

the fire of God

he whispered
it’s the fire
of God
the burning bush that does not burn

he’s done it again

he’s kept
his promise

remember what John said?

he will baptise you

with fire
with the Holy Spirit
and with fire

and suddenly we were laughing

dancing
embracing each other
not understanding
but knowing
knowing this was him
this was the gift he’d promised
and we were touching the flickering fires
daring to hold
their flame dancing beauty
entranced
in wonder-filled moments
of joy
and recognition
and indescribable
holiness
and humility

the Spirit

was with us

and power

rippled through us
with all the grace and wonder
and profound simplicity
that we had to come to expect
of the Master

and everything

changed

.