Marking Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year

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Mark i ng T ime : Formi ng Sp i r i tua l i t y through the Chr i s t i an Year

meditations organized around the “Church Year” (as it is preferred in Latin documents), or the “Christian year” or “liturgical year,” depending on the tradition. As one document refers to the Christian year, it represents “the whole mystery of Christ, from his Incarnation to the day of Pentecost and the expectation of his coming again.” When the Christian year is observed with humility, vitality, and hunger, it can provide a clear strategy to lead an entire Christian community together in its discipleship. This course explores the origins and meaning of the Christian year, especially considering how it represents the simple remembrance and reenactment of the life of Christ in real time during the calendar year. We will argue that a biblical appropriation of the Church Year can provide an integrated, connected means to unite a Christian assembly in vital shared spirituality. In addition, this course gives special attention to the ways in which the Christian Year can equip urban poor popu lations in a biblical worldview and Christian discipleship using its outline in worship, teaching, preaching, and service. • Recite an accurate outline of the works of God from creation of the world to the coming of Christ, using Scripture to support the major events in salvation history. • Prove how Church Year focus relates to the Jewish sacred calendar, Christian tradition, and our freedom in Christ. • Provide an overview of the key moments influencing the shape and elements of the Church Year, from the early Church to the present. • Memorize and explain key verses dealing with the life of Jesus, the history of the Church, the Great Tradition, and shared spirituality. • Design a workable strategy to integrate the spiritual emphases of the Church Year into their own personal, small group, family, and congregational life. • Reproduce the central elements of a Christus Victor theological perspective, and make connections of that motif for their church, family, witness, and service. • Articulate concisely the various elements and advantages of the Church Year. • Practically apply the Great Tradition to their own spiritual formation, their discipling of others, and their ministry in the church. As a result of taking this course, each student should be able to: