The Liturgical Calendar

Ever Wonder what the deal is with Advent, Pentecost, Epiphany, & Lent?

The Liturgical Calendar is a system of “telling time” based on events occurring in the Christian Story. In the image above, you see that beginning in mid- to late-November, and continuing through sometime in May, the church year is divided into different seasons, from Advent to Christmas to Epiphany to Lent to Easter to Pentecost.

Briefly, the focus of each season is:

Advent: the Anticipation of Messiah coming into the world during four Sundays of expectation and preparation.

Christmas: God’s Incarnation in the world, the mystery of the divine becoming human, the immortal becoming mortal, God living among mankind, celebrated for 12 days.

Epiphany: the Revelation of God’s salvation to all mankind, as represented by the Wise Men who were Gentiles (non-Jews) come to worship the Christ. Epiphany lasts 7 or 8 Sundays.

Lent: 40 days commemorating the Crucifixion of Jesus, a time of reflection, repentence, and commitment while focusing on the sacrificial life and death of Christ. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter.

Easter: a time of celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, demonstrating victory over death over the 50 day period.

Pentecost: a celebration of Christ’s Ascension to the Father and the Holy Spirit’s presence with God’s people. Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian church.

Advent through Pentecost tell the story of Jesus—his birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and continuing presence with God’s people. The rest of the calendar year represents to Story of God’s people in the continuing story of God working in and through the people.