Session 3: The Christian Year

Liturgical Year

• The liturgical year is rooted in history and was developed from the practices of the early Church.
• The evolution of the Christian year was a slower, more complicated process.
• Christianity inherited two great festivals from Judaism: Passover and Pentecost.
• Epiphany, the third great festival, is the most puzzling in terms of origins.

Incarnation Cycle

• Begins with Advent, which lasts for four Sundays.
• Celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ.
• Colors used: purple (representing penitence and preparation) and gold/white (representing majesty and purity).
• Advent wreaths are used, with candles lit each week.

Christmas and Epiphany

• Christmas lasts for 12 days, ending with Epiphany (a moment of great revelation).
• Colors used: gold/white (representing majesty and purity).
• Epiphany commemorates the visit of the wise men to Jesus.

Lent and Easter

• Lent lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays).
• Represents a time of reflection and penitence.
• Colors used: purple (representing penitence and preparation) and red (representing blood or the fire of renewal and power).
• Celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus and his resurrection.

Ascension and Pentecost

• Ascension Day celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven.
• Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit.
• Colors used: red (representing blood or the fire of renewal and power) and white (representing purity).

Ordinary Time

• Interrupts the Incarnation Cycle for a few weeks.
• Focuses on the teaching ministry of Jesus.

Kingdom Season

• Celebrates the Kingship of Christ.
• Ends with Christ the King.
• Colors used: red (representing blood or the fire of renewal and power).

Lectionary

• Provides a common pattern of biblical proclamation.
• Serves as a guide for linking children's work, intercessions, hymn choices, and sermons.
• Helps connect Christians across the world and different denominations.

Liturgical Colors

• Purple: represents penitence and preparation.
• Gold/white: represents majesty and purity.
• Red: represents blood or the fire of renewal and power.

Vestments

• Have their roots in biblical times.
• Are symbolic and not worn for fun or to dress up.
• Examples: albs (sacramental garments), chasubiles (sacramental garments), cassocks and surplices (non-sacramental services).