The liturgical year is a wonderful way for Christians to keep in touch with the story of Christ and give meaning to different parts of the year. However, it can be a bit intimidating to learn for people who are not used to following it.
If you are interested in learning
more about the church calendar, you've come to the right place. We've put
together a quick guide to the calendar of the Catholic Church (and many
Anglican denominations). Read on to learn more!
What
Is the Meaning of the Seasons?
Each season in the church calendar
corresponds to a certain time in the life of Jesus. The Catholic church
calendar follows seasons that coincide with the birth, death, and other
important moments in Christ's life.
Advent
Season
The church calendar does not start
in January like a normal calendar. Instead, it starts with the Advent season.
This begins in the month leading up
to Christmas, as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the arrival
of Jesus. Advent colors are usually purple and blue, to symbolize the heavenly
royalty of Christ.
Each week during Advent, a candle is
lit on the Advent wreath.
Christmas
Season
In the calendar of the Catholic
Church, Christmas isn't just one day. It's a whole season! The Christmas season
starts on the 24th of December and ends on January 5th.
The
Season of Epiphany
Epiphany can be a bit foreign to
non-Catholic or Anglican people. This is the time between the end of the
Christmas Season and the day before Ash Wednesday.
This season symbolizes the time in
Christ's life when he came into his divinity. This includes his baptism and his
revelation as the Messiah to his disciples. The final day of Epiphany marks the
moment of Jesus' transfiguration.
Epiphany is symbolized by the color white, for the Feast of Epiphany, and green for other days of the
season.
The
Season of Lent
Lent is a far less celebratory
season than others. This forty-day period marks the time when Christians
reflect on sin and repentance. During this time many seek church counseling
to reconcile wrongs done over the past year.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and
also includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the
Crucifixion), and Holy Saturday.
Easter
Season
Easter Season is the "big
event" for the church calendar. This season marks the resurrection of
Christ, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Easter Season begins on Easter
Sunday and continues for forty days until Pentecost Sunday.
Easter Sunday is the only other liturgical day that uses gold for its symbolism.
Following
Christ's Life: The Church Calendar
The church calendar is a wonderful
way for Christians worldwide to stay connected to the life and story of Christ.
These liturgical traditions have been passed down for over two thousand years!
For more mind-expanding articles, be sure to check out the "Education" section of our blog. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or comments.
