God structured the lives of His people in the Old Testament with weekly, monthly and yearly celebrations, festivals, and observances. These were shadows pointing forward to Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:17). Paul makes it clear that these no longer need to be observed as they once were (Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16). Jesus also indicates that they are for our benefit and that the days do not lord over us (Mark 2:23-28). Thus, these shadows served the purpose of tutoring God’s people and guarding them in Christ Jesus until He came in the flesh for them to know Him and His salvation. As such, God’s people are no longer bound to them but are free in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:23-5:1). In this freedom, God’s people over the centuries have created a new calendar centered on Christ, His life, and His teaching. Many Christians observe this calendar, not as something they must observe or keep but rather as an aid to shape and form their days, weeks, months, and years in a Christ-centered way. This calendar has been passed down to us to help us remember and think on Jesus and His Word.
Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection serve as the anchor dates of the Church Year. This Church calendar is split into three time periods: the Time of Christmas, the Time of Easter, and the Time of the Church. The Time of Christmas is the beginning of the Church Year, and starts four Sundays before Christmas Day . The season before Christmas Day is called Advent (“come into”) and prepares for Christmas. Christmas is celebrated both on the Eve of Christmas (December 24) and the day of Christmas (December 25; although because of calendar changes some observe January 6 or 7 for Christmas). And then, Christmas itself lasts for 12 days and ends with Epiphany (January 6). This leads into the season of Epiphany, which begins with the Magi honoring Jesus and Jesus’ baptism and ends with the Transfiguration of Jesus. This season is still a part of the Time of Christmas.
When the season of Epiphany ends, the Time of Easter begins. Some churches begin this time with Pre-Lent, a preparation for the Lenten season; others move directly from the Epiphany season to the Lenten season. Lent is a season of preparation for marking Good Friday and Easter and lasts 40 days, not counting the Sundays. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and continues until Palm Sunday, which begins Holy Week. Holy Week marks Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to die and rise for us. Good Friday is the culmination of Holy Week. Easter Sunday follows Good Friday and starts the Easter season that reflects on Jesus’ resurrection. The Easter season lasts for fifty days and includes the Ascension of Jesus on the fortieth day after Easter.
The Day of Pentecost marks the beginning of the Time and Season of the Church. This is considered regular time and is marked by considering Jesus’ teaching. Major festivals like Reformation Day, All Saints’ Day, the Nativity of St. John the Baptists, and Micheal and all Angels appear on a particular day in this season (the Visitation of Mary with child to Elizabeth may also appear in this season). This season ends with a focus on the End Times which leads the church back into the season of Advent. The first and second coming of Jesus begin and end the Church calendar. Minor festivals recalling God’s Work in the lives of God’s people occur throughout the year as well.
Now, this cycle is repeated each year to teach and encourage God’s people while ever keeping us mindful of Him who forms our lives and days and Who has redeemed us for life with Him. We invite you to observe the Church Year with us as we walk with Christ Jesus, in His Word and ways.