“In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?’ tell him: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.’”
The Israelites were instructed to use the patterns, sacraments, and structure of the law to point their children to God, passing from one generation to the next who He is and what He had done. How very beautiful.
The historic Christian church has followed versions of its own calendar through the centuries with much of the same intent. There are seasons throughout the year that draw our hearts and minds to different aspects of our faith, specifically the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We don't always give it much thought in our tradition but as we come to the beginning of Advent, it's good to pause and remember that our celebration of Christmas begins with a season of longing and expectation.
“The Christian year represents the historical unfolding of the life of Christ and his sure return. One may observe that Advent deals with the coming of Christ; Christmas, his birth; Epiphany, his [being made known] to the Gentiles; Lent, his journey toward death; the Great Triduum, the last days of Jesus’ earthly life; Easter, the time to celebrate his resurrection; and Pentecost, the time to experience life in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
As we begin this with the Cycle of Light on Sunday, here is a sacred rhythm to consider all year long:
Cycle of Light
Advent: 4 Sundays before Christmas Eve
Christmas: 12 Days from December 25 to January 5
Epiphany: January 6
Cycle of Life
After Epiphany: January 7 until Lent (Christ’s ministry on earth)
Lent: Ash Wednesday (40 days, not Sundays) to Thursday of Holy Week
Great Triduum: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Vigil Saturday
Easter: Sunday, 50 days, includes Ascension Day, ends on Pentecost
After Pentecost: 6 months, also called Ordinary Time
There is a lot to learn and discover in this pattern of worship. I'm excited to being Advent with you on Sunday and remember again how much we needed Christ to come as our Saviour and are longing for Him to come again.
See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy
This Sunday
God With Us
”In The Valley?”
Join us on Sunday at 10am as Pastor Tracy begins our Advent series.