Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

282 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

The Church Year (Western Church) The Urban Ministry Institute

The purpose of the liturgical calendar is to relive the major events in Jesus’s life in real time.

Date

Event

Purpose

Begins late Nov. or early Dec.

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 (Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-16; Mark 1:1-8).

Advent

Dec. 25

Christmas Celebrates the Birth of Christ (Luke 2:1-20).

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 in which Christ revealed himself to the world as the Son of God (Luke 2:32; Matthew 17:1-6; John 12:32). A day of fasting and repentance that reminds us that we are disciples about to begin the journey with Jesus that ends in the cross (Luke 9:51). Ash Wednesday begins the observance of Lent. A time for reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus. Lent also emphasizes “death to self” so that, like Jesus, we prepare ourselves to obey God no matter what sacrifice it involves. Lenten observance calls for people to fast as a way of affirming this attitude of obedience (Luke 5:35; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 11:1-3). Palm Sunday The Sunday before Easter which commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Christ (John 12:12-18). Maundy* Thursday The Thursday before Easter which commemorates the giving of the New Commandment and the Lord’s Supper prior to Christ’s Death (Mark 14:12-26; John 13). (* From the Latin mandatum novarum – “new commandment.”) Good Friday The Friday before Easter which commemorates the crucifixion of Christ (John 18-19). Easter Sunday The Sunday which celebrates the resurrection of Christ (John 20). Celebrates the Ascension of Christ to heaven at which time God “seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:20b-21; 1 Peter 3:22; Luke 24:17-53). The day which commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Church. Jesus is now present with all his people (John 16; Acts 2). A time to remember those heroes of the faith who have come before us (especially those who died for the Gospel). The living Christ is now seen in the world through the words and deeds of his people (John 14:12; Hebrews 11; Revelation 17:6).

Jan. 6

Epiphany

The seventh Wednesday before Easter 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays) Movable depending on the date of Easter Sunday which occurs in March or April

Ash Wednesday

Lent

Holy Week

40 days after Easter

Ascension Day

7th Sunday after Easter

Pentecost

All Saints Day

Nov. 1