Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

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Mas ter the B i b l e : How to Get and Keep the B i g P i c ture of the B i b l e ’ s Stor y

Appendix 27 The Church Year Forming Christ-Centered Spirituality through the Church Calendar The Urban Ministry Institute

Forming spirituality is “discovering ancient rhythms for a new spiritual awakening.”

~ Robert Webber

1. Advent : A season of anticipation and repentance which focuses on the First and Second Comings of Christ . The dual focus means that Advent both begins and ends the Christian year (Isa. 9.1-7; 11.1-16; Mark 1.1-8). a. Anticipation : Week 1 - The Advent wreath reminds us of God’s eternal love, without a beginning, without an end. The Candles remind us of Christ’s light coming into the world. We light the first candle looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, Emmanuel, God-with-us. b. Annunciation : Week 2 - We light the second candle to announce the birth of the Savior King, as the angel Gabriel announced to Mary, and the angels announced to the shepherds. d. Arrival : Week 4 - We light the fourth candle in celebration of the arrival of the baby, born in a stable at Bethlehem, whose name is Immanuel, God-with-us. 2. Christmas : A celebration of the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, the Word made flesh in the world. It celebrates the birth of Christ (Luke 2.1-20). 3. Epiphany : The Feast of Epiphany on January 6 commemorates the coming of the Magi, which reveals Christ’s mission to the world. The entire season of Epiphany then emphasizes the way c. Affirmation : Week 3 - We light the third candle recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promise of our salvation.