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The church year

The early Christian worship service was very simple. The lessons from the Old Testament, the epistles, and the gospels were continuous readings of entire books of the Bible. The Lord’s Day, or Sunday, was observed each week, along with annual observances of Good Friday and Easter. Over many centuries, a pattern emerged to present the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. The entire gospel is embraced in the church year as it celebrates the saving work of Jesus Christ.

The first half of the church year covers Advent to Pentecost. This period reviews the key events in the life of Christ. Advent, from the Latin word for coming, begins the church year and helps prepare us for the coming Christmas celebration. It is both a time for repentance and joyful anticipation.

While the Easter season has been called the cycle of life, Christmas is called the cycle of light. God entered into a world of darkness and became the Word made flesh—the true light—in the person of Jesus Christ. That light is further revealed during Epiphany. From a Greek word meaning “appearance,” Epiphany recognizes Christ’s appearance as Savior of the world.

The period of Lent helps us prepare for Holy Week, as we reflect on Christ’s suffering and death as the sacrifice to win our salvation. Beginning with Palm Sunday—Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem—the church somberly moves to Maundy Thursday, recalling Christ’s institution of Holy Communion. Good Friday is the solemn observance of the Lord’s suffering and death on the cross.

The pinnacle of our faith and the church year comes on Easter Sunday. We have worked to prepare our hearts and minds for this opportunity to respond in overflowing joy. Jesus lives! He has risen! We are restored to life as a new creation. Our life is now in Christ. Our hope now points away from the sorrow of a fallen world and toward eternal life in heaven.

Finally, we enter the Pentecost season. God has sent his Holy Spirit to lead and preserve us in the faith. Our Christian life is now an enthusiastic and joyful response to God’s mighty works on our behalf.

The second half of the church year (Pentecost to End Time) focuses on our joyful responses to what the Holy Spirit has done for the church. Our lives of

sanctification and the mission of the church are key themes in this nonfestival part of the year.

Members of the congregation are reminded of change in the seasons of the church year by the sequence of color used in the pastor’s vestments and in the pulpit, altar, and lectern paraments.

The entire gospel is embraced in the church year as it celebrates the saving work of Jesus Christ.