Introduction to the Liturgical Year
The Liturgical Year is a blessing given to us by the early Christians who came before us. The Church Year or Liturgical Year begins in November or December and centers on events in the life of our Lord Jesus and His Church.
Two Parts of the Liturgical Year:
Part 1: The Festival Half of the Church Liturgical Year
The first half of the Church Year is about the life of Jesus. We relive the most important events of Jesus’ life when we pray during this season of the Church Year. Most popular holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, occur during in this period, called the Festival Half of the Church Year.
Part 2: The Non-Festival Half or the Church Half-Year
The second half of the Church Year is called the Non-Festival Half. It starts in May or June and reflects on our Lord’s preaching, which He entrusted us to spread worldwide. This section shows what Jesus’ creation, death, and resurrection mean to us.
1. Advent (November – December)
“Advent” is derived from the Latin Adventus, which means going. For Christians, Advent is a time of preparing for Christmas, a time of vigilant anticipation for Christ’s reappearance.
2. Christmas (December – January)
Christmas starts on December 25. It refers to the liturgy commemorating the day Christ became one of us. We rejoice in the miracle of God becoming a man in Christ, our King and Servant.
3. Epiphany (January – February)
The presence of a deity among mortals is called “epiphaneia” in Greek. The same term denotes a king’s visit to a favorite city. The magi, or the assembly of the gentiles as God’s creatures, are the focus of Epiphany. It is all for our Lord’s Baptism, who prepares the waters of Baptism for us. During the Epiphany season, we see Jesus’ first miracle at Cana to bless a marriage.
4. Pre-Lent (January – February)
Pre-Lent is three weeks before the 40-day season of Lent, a time of self-examination and repentance. The weeks that lead up to Easter act as a countdown. T
The first Sunday is known as Septuagesima. That is a Latin term that means there are approximately 70 days before Easter. This Sunday, we read about God’s grace, lest we be afraid to examine our hearts and lives during Lent. Whatever faults we admit to ourselves cannot distinguish us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus.
Sexagesima is the name given to the second Sunday of the month. This Latin name denotes that there are about 60 days before Easter. On this Sunday, the focus is on God’s Word.
The third Sunday is known as Quinquagesima. That is a Latin term that means 50 days before Easter. It is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
5. Lent (February – March)
Lent is a 40-day solemn, penitential season (excluding Sundays) starting on Ash Wednesday and leading to Easter. It focuses on repentance, reflection on Christ’s suffering, and spiritual discipline, including prayer.
6. Holy Week (March – April)
There is no other week in the Lutheran Church Liturgical Year with such a powerful atmosphere of extraordinary commitment. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, we become immersed in the central mystery of God’s mission of redemption through the death and resurrection of the Lord. Holy Week encompasses not only the final days of Lent but also the commemoration of Christ’s Passion. Holy Week consists of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday – Wednesday, as well as the daylight hours of Maundy Thursday. These days round out our preparation time.
7. Easter (March – April)
Easter is the primary feast of the Christian liturgical year. Easter is a 50-day celebration of the new life offered by Christ. It starts with the Easter Vigil and concludes on the Day of Pentecost.
8. Pentecost (May – June)
Pentecost is a Greek word that means “50”, regarding the Old Testament feast celebrated 50 days after Passover. Pentecost is celebrated by Christians 50 days after Easter. The Lord poured out His Spirit during Pentecost. That is a call to repentance due to the witness of the Holy Spirit.
9. Saints’ Days
In addition to the various seasons, we celebrate single days and dates throughout our Lutheran Church Liturgical Year. They are known as the Saints’ Days. Those days commemorate the life and blessings of certain great Christians from the past. That also teaches us that Christians on Earth and in Heaven form one body of believers in Christ.