Advent Advent is a season of four weeks, including four Sundays. Advent comes from the Latin and means "coming." The season proclaims the coming of Christ--whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year, Advent calls the community of faith to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by feasts for preparation. Each Sunday of Advent has its distinctive theme: Christ's coming in final victory (First), John the Baptist (Second and Third), and the events immediately preceding the birth of Jesus Christ (Fourth).
Parament colors are purple or blue. Visuals of the season may include an Advent wreath, evergreen wreaths and/or branches, Chrismon tree, a Jesse tree (signs of the ancestors of Christ). Other symbols are trumpets for Isaiah, messianic rose, star of Jacob and fleur-de-lis.
Note: Advent is about the coming of Jesus, and not the Christmas story. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
A guiding thought for Advent 2007: Expanding our understanding of God--too often we limit who God is and what He can do. Moderators: Board Administrator, ronyoung, Jinn, halfnote2
0
0
Christmas Christmas is twelve days (think about the twelve days of Christmas song) and runs from December 25th to January 6. January 6 is Epiphany, representing the visitation of the Wise Men. Moderators: Board Administrator, ronyoung, Jinn, halfnote2
Theme: Jesus Manifests Himself as God Dates: Epiphany lasts from 6 January through the day before Lent. Thus it begins on 6 January 2008 and ends on Tuesday, 5 February 2008. Colors: We use gold & white. Green is also sometimes used to signify growth. Special Days: The Epiphany, 6 January (often celebrated on the previous Sunday) The Baptism of Our Lord, on the Sunday after the Epiphany The Presentation, 2 February. In the Revised Common Lectionary, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany is Transfiguration Day.
The general topic of Epiphany Season is Jesus’ manifestation of Himself as God. (The word epiphany is Greek for manifestation.) In most churches, Bible readings and sermons during this time of the year deal with Jesus’ identity, beginning with His baptism.
Epiphany (the day) began in the eastern Church as the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. As the celebration of Christmas spread eastward, Epiphany changed to its present meaning. Some Oriental Christians have not yet acquired Christmas. For them, Epiphany, which they celebrate on January 6 of the Julian calendar, continues to be the celebration of the Nativity. Moderators: Board Administrator, ronyoung, Jinn, halfnote2
0
0
Lent Beginning on Ash Wednesday (06 Feb 2008), six and a half weeks before Easter. Includes Palm Sunday and ends at sunset on Thursday of Holy Week. A time to travel with Christ through his suffering and preparation for death. A time for self-examination, repentence and renewal through our identification with the journey of Jesus. Often a time of prayer, meditation, fasting and almsgiving. Color: Purple Moderators: Board Administrator, ronyoung, Jinn, halfnote2
Easter Easter Sunday: A celebration of the great saving event of the resurrection of Jesus for the victory over sin and death. We celebrate Jesus' victory and are called to Christian spirituality of dying to sin and raising to the life of the Spirit.
Eastertide extends for 50 days after Easter, includes Ascension Day and ends on Pentecost. We examine the continued ministry of Christ after his resurrection and refelct on his reign as Sovereign Lord. We reflect on the implications of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, commit ourselves to live as those who are "risen with Christ", living under Christ's reign. Colors: White or Gold Moderators: Board Administrator, ronyoung, Jinn, halfnote2
Pentecost Pentecost Sunday: 50 days after Easter, celebrates the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church for witness and service. We are called to walk with the Spirit and participate in the growth and spread of the Christian Church in the world. Color: Red
After Pentecost/Ordinary Time/Growing Time: From Pentecost Sunday to the beginning of Advent, ends on Christ the King Sunday. Through the work of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Church enters the world with the Gospel and experiences both growth and trials. We embrace the teachings of the church, go deeper into the truths of God's saving events in history, and grow in our obedience and service. Color: Green Moderators: Board Administrator, ronyoung, Jinn, halfnote2
![[Home]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/home.gif)
![[Help]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/help.gif)
![[Search]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/search.gif)
![[Login]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/login.gif)
![[Register]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/register.gif)
![[ ]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/off.gif)
![[Search This Board]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/search2.gif)
![[New Thread]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/newthread.gif)
