Since our
earliest records, the Church has remembered and celebrated the events
of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. The ancient Church
centered its worship and witness on his glorious person and salvation
work. A cursory outline of Church history reveals its deep commitment
to reenact and re-represent the major events of Jesus' life in real
time. Largely as an act of worship and instruction, the Church Year
(also known as the Church Calendar or Christian Year)
was the early Church's response to secular society's attempt to make
meaning through its civil calendar and its celebrations. The Christian
Year observances, feasts, and services allowed them to think
"Christianly" about their days and weeks and months, and put all things
in the perspective of the Christ event. Living the Christ life in the
cycle of the Christian Year can do the same for us today!
The Church Year begins with the birth of Christ (Advent to Epiphany).
Next, it focuses on the revelation of his mission to the world
(Epiphany and Transfiguration). It reminds us that Jesus set his face
toward Jerusalem and the cross (Ash Wednesday and Lent). It chronicles
his final week, his crucifixion, and his resurrection (Holy Week). It
affirms his Ascension to the Father’s right hand in glory (Ascension
Day). It celebrates the birth of his Church through the ministry of his
Spirit (Pentecost). It remembers the history of his Church throughout
the ages (All Saints Day). Finally, it acknowledges that at his
return, Christ will reign supreme as Lord and King over all (Reign of
Christ the King). Advent both ends the cycle and begins it again. It
looks forward to his Second Coming as the conclusion of the Church Year
but also prepares to remember again his First Coming and thus starts
the Church Year afresh.
