Why A Liturgical Calendar
The Christian Church is the mystical Body of Jesus Christ. (I Cor. 12:12-31) The Gospel according to John tells us that God (the Word) became a human being. “The Word of God became flesh.” (John 1:1 & 14) The Church is dated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day, and Christians have been worshipping on Sundays beginning with the resurrection of Jesus Christ on that Easter morning on the “First day of the week.” (Matt. 28:1-3; Mark 16:1-3; Luke 24:1-3; John 20:1-18).
The organized Christian Church began when three thousand people were baptized on the Day of Pentecost after Simon (Peter) taught the gathered crowd of pilgrims in Jerusalem that Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies of the Jewish Scriptures. Christian worship is known as Liturgy, and the liturgical calendar is the Church’s lesson plan to teach its members through worship. Why is Christian worship given the name, liturgy?
Christian worship is not entertainment of an audience by actors but is the celebration of the resurrection faith of the Christian community. Liturgy means, “The people at work.” It is a compound word from the Greek “laos” or Laos (People) and “ergo" or ergo (work) which are translated into English as “People at work.” The Christian Church is the community that Jesus Christ called out (ecclesia) to celebrate his Lordship. The disciples of Jesus Christ were first given the name “Christians” in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)
The Liturgical Calendar is the “Lesson Plan” of the Church whereby it teaches its members Biblical and historical truths about Jesus Christ. The calendar begins with Advent and ends with the Sundays after Pentecost. We read and meditate on the whole Scriptures in a three-year Scripture reading cycle.
Because we learn best by practicing manageable small parts of any large body of learning, we better understand Jesus Christ by walking with him in small steps through his life and ministry. To that end, the Liturgical calendar divides the chronological year into seasons, for example, his birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and glorification. These are the Anglican Liturgical Seasons.
​ADVENT
Advent is from the Latin “Advenire” which means “To come.” The four Sundays before Christmas (Advent Season) emphasizes preparation for the birth or nativity or coming of God as Jesus Christ. During this season, the Church studies the prophecies of the “Former or Old” Testament that talks about the coming of God’s Messiah (anointed One). Advent is also when we meditate on the return of Jesus Christ as “the Christus Rex” or Christ the King.
CHRISTMAS (BIRTH OR NATIVITY) OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Christmas is the celebration of the mystery of the incarnation – “God became flesh.” God was born as the child of the Virgin Mary. Associated with Christmas is the “Presentation” of Jesus Christ in the Temple. Being a Jewish boy, he was circumcised on that occasion.
THE EPIPHANY
Epiphany is the season of “Light.” God shines on the world through Jesus Christ. Wise people followed the star to Bethlehem, where they found baby Jesus in his rustic crèche. (Matt. 2:1-12)
​LENT
The word “Lent” is from an old English word which refers the lengthening of the days in Spring. It has traditionally been a time of fasting, reflecting, self-examination, and preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash-Wednesday and continues through to Easter Day. The date of Ash-Wednesday is determined by counting 40 days, excluding Sundays, backward from Easter Day. The Sunday of Holy Week is named Passion or Palm Sunday. The Thursday of Holy Week is “Maundy” Thursday. Maundy, from the (Latin – Mandamus) which means “command” and refers the command of Jesus to the Twelve at the Last Supper, “Love one-another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34-35) The Friday in Holy Week is “Good or Great Friday.” The 3 days, “Good Friday to Easter Sunday” is known as the “Pascal Triduum.” Holy Saturday has traditionally been the day to baptize new converts.
EASTER
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a celebration of life and Spring (Northern Hemisphere). The Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD) determines that Easter Day be on the “First Sunday” after the first full moon after the Vernal Spring) Equinox (March 21) in the Northern Hemisphere. The Easter Season lasts for 40 days. It ends on Ascension Day when we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
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PENTECOST
The Day of Pentecost is a Jewish Holiday which celebrates the “Giving of the Law” at Sinai. It is 50 days after the Jewish Feast of Passover and Jewish men make pilgrimages to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. Simon (Peter) preached to the Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, teaching that the resurrection of Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets. On that day, the apostles baptized three thousand (3,000) people who believed that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Sundays after the Day of Pentecost (except Trinity Sunday) and until the Sunday before Advent are all named “Sundays after Pentecost.”