Annual Rhythm of the Church Calendar https://www.gpcwoodlands.org Thinking about the annual rhythm of the church calendar. Fri, 29 Mar 2024 08:34:27 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Epiphany: A Time To Manifest Christ https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/epiphany:-a-time-to-manifest-christ https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/epiphany:-a-time-to-manifest-christ#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2024 07:45:26 -0500 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/epiphany:-a-time-to-manifest-christ An Epiphany Spirituality for Today

There are two sides to an Epiphany spirituality: Christ manifest in us, and Christ manifest through us. The early church fathers interpret the glory of God manifested as the dazzling light to Peter, James, and John as the true vision of the presence of the Divine in Christ, a presence made available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is, of course, a qualitative difference between God present in Jesus and Jesus present in us. Jesus is God incarnate, the one man who participates in the actual essence of God. Thus, Paul tells us, “in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Col. 1:19). But Christ in us is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who urges us into conformity to the image of God perfectly expressed in Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit we are able to enter into a spiritual union with Christ, a union that effects a moral, intellectual, and social conformity to Christ, the model of true humanity. In this sense Christ is manifested in us, in our very being, in our personality, and in the values we choose.

Christ Manifest in US

According to the early church fathers, a decisive way to unite with Jesus is through prayer. While there are many different kinds of prayer, the form of prayer advocated by the fathers to establish union with God is the short form. The short form is a brief prayer drawn from Scripture that is repeated over and over again. The most popular of the short form prayers is the Jesus Prayer, a lengthened version of the prayer said by the publican, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner” (see Luke 18:13). I have already mentioned this prayer as a spiritual discipline to be used at Christmas for Christ to be born within. It bears repeating as an Epiphany discipline for Christ born within to be continuously manifested within.

The purpose of the Jesus Prayer is to bring a person into union with Christ by fulfilling the mandate of Paul to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17 NRSV). Although it is a verbal prayer, the goal is for it to become a mental and spiritual prayer that is constantly in the mind and heart, a prayer that establishes a spiritual union with God through Christ.

An entire spiritual tradition known as the Hesychast method of prayer developed around the Jesus Prayer. In The Way of the Pilgrim, a spiritual classic on the Jesus Prayer, the prayer is described as follows:

The continuous interior prayer of Jesus is a constant uninterrupted calling upon the divine name of Jesus with the lips, in the spirit and in the heart; while forming a mental picture of His constant presence, and imploring His grace during every occupation, at all times, in all places, even during sleep. The appeal is couched in these terms, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” One who accustoms himself to this appeal experiences, as a result, so deep a consolation and so great a need to offer the prayer always, that he can no longer live without it, and it will continue to voice itself within him of its own accord.[5] 

I recommend Epiphany as a time to enter into an experience of constant union with Christ through the Jesus Prayer. I have listed below some of the rules for using this prayer suggested by the authors of the spiritual classic, Unseen Warfare, for those who are beginners with the Jesus Prayer:

  1. Begin and end your current practice of prayer with the Jesus Prayer.
  2. Increase the number of repetitions gradually as your enjoyment of the prayer grows.
  3. Recite the prayer slowly and recite it as though you were standing before the Lord himself.
  4. Repeat the prayer whenever you have free time, doing so in the intervals of your occupation and even in your talking.
  5. Make certain the prayer comes from the heart and not merely from the lips.
  6. Always act in a state of complete simplicity and great humility, never attributing success to yourself.
  7. Do not set a time for achievement in this prayer. Decide only one thing: to work and to work. Months and years will go by before the first feeble indications of success begin to show.[6]

Make union with Christ a sincere goal of your Epiphany spirituality and realize that unless you are in union with Christ in your soul, you cannot manifest Christ in your life. I can attest to the value of the Jesus Prayer, as I find myself frequently saying it as I wait to sleep, as I walk or drive, as I face temptation, or as I find free time in my schedule here and there.

Christ Manifest through us

An Epiphany spirituality is not only Christ in us but Christ being revealed through us to others. As God was manifested in Jesus Christ, so Christ is manifested through the church to the world. Because we are the church, the body of Christ who act as salt and light, we are the continuing manifestation of Christ’s love and redeeming power. Of course there are many ways we can express an Epiphany spirituality. For example, Christ is manifested in us when we live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In the early church the fathers saw these fruits of the Spirit expressed in the gift of hospitality. Hospitality is a very special gift because it is a unique means through which Christ can be manifested. Therefore, the early church fathers had much to say about this gift and commended it as a special way to communicate the presence of Jesus. The fathers ask us to consider how frequently God’s presence is associated with hospitality in the Scripture.

A special case in point is the hospitality Abraham offered to three men who appeared at the door of his tent (Gen. 18:1–15). In Christian iconography this event is interpreted as the visitation of the Triune God and has inspired the most famous of all icons, the icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev. Abraham’s hospitality to the three strangers is an inspiring example of the mutual exchange of God’s presence that can occur in the gift of hospitality. While Abraham was manifesting the love of God to these men, they in turn manifested God’s presence to Abraham and Sarah. In keeping with the theme of Epiphany, the time in which Christ is manifested to the whole world, the liturgy of the church calls us to manifest Christ through hospitality.

Hospitality evangelism is the kind of manifestation that may draw a stranger to the gospel into the very heart of Christ. Our world is full of lonely people—students, singles, the disabled, newcomers to town, the shy, the divorced, the aged, and the infirm. Like Abraham and Sarah we need to open up our homes and our lives to them, a hospitality that speaks volumes to the love and warmth of God. Hospitality spirituality stands in the Western tradition of Christian spirituality. In the East, spirituality emphasizes solitude, being alone with the self as a way of practicing the presence of Jesus. But in the West, especially in modern times, there has been a great emphasis on a spirituality that reaches outward towards other people. While both spiritualities are needed for a well-rounded spirituality, Epiphany calls us to move outward toward others to bring them into the life of Christ in the Christian community. All of us know one or more persons or families who live this way as a general rule.

For example, I know of a university professor who purposely located himself at a university with many international students in order to have a hospitality ministry among them. The work of Francis Schaeffer at L’Abri, Switzerland, a ministry to students through his home, reached thousands of people. Covenant House, a ministry to prostitutes, drug addicts, and runaway children in New York, has touched thousands of lives through a hospitality spirituality. While these are well-known examples, the commitment to reach out to one person or one family is no less valuable in God’s eye. I recommend that you make this Epiphany special by choosing a person, a family, or a group of people to host and reach with the Good News. Use the Epiphany season to put into motion a lifelong commitment to reach out. There are a number of ways you can fulfill this calling: Establish a friendship with a stranger; invite a lonely person or family to dinner; begin a neighborhood Bible study and fellowship group in your home.

Conclusion

We gain insight into how Epiphany orders our spiritual lives by looking at the spiritual emphasis associated with Epiphany. It is clearly as the word itself means—a time for the manifestation of Jesus as the Christ, the fulfillment of all Israel’s longing, and the fulfillment of the world’s longing for a Savior. The three great events of the visit of the wise ones, the baptism of Jesus, and the marriage feast at Cana of Galilee express the manifestation of Jesus as the one who accomplishes God’s mission. Because God’s glory has been manifested in Jesus Christ, he calls his disciples and us to manifest his glory by becoming his deeply committed disciples showing forth Christ through our lives. Consequently, for us an Epiphany spirituality is to allow Christ to be manifested in us through prayer and hospitality. May we open our hearts to God’s epiphany within and may we reach out to be God’s epiphany to the strangers in our midst.

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

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An Epiphany Spirituality for Today

There are two sides to an Epiphany spirituality: Christ manifest in us, and Christ manifest through us. The early church fathers interpret the glory of God manifested as the dazzling light to Peter, James, and John as the true vision of the presence of the Divine in Christ, a presence made available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is, of course, a qualitative difference between God present in Jesus and Jesus present in us. Jesus is God incarnate, the one man who participates in the actual essence of God. Thus, Paul tells us, “in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Col. 1:19). But Christ in us is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who urges us into conformity to the image of God perfectly expressed in Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit we are able to enter into a spiritual union with Christ, a union that effects a moral, intellectual, and social conformity to Christ, the model of true humanity. In this sense Christ is manifested in us, in our very being, in our personality, and in the values we choose.

Christ Manifest in US

According to the early church fathers, a decisive way to unite with Jesus is through prayer. While there are many different kinds of prayer, the form of prayer advocated by the fathers to establish union with God is the short form. The short form is a brief prayer drawn from Scripture that is repeated over and over again. The most popular of the short form prayers is the Jesus Prayer, a lengthened version of the prayer said by the publican, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner” (see Luke 18:13). I have already mentioned this prayer as a spiritual discipline to be used at Christmas for Christ to be born within. It bears repeating as an Epiphany discipline for Christ born within to be continuously manifested within.

The purpose of the Jesus Prayer is to bring a person into union with Christ by fulfilling the mandate of Paul to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17 NRSV). Although it is a verbal prayer, the goal is for it to become a mental and spiritual prayer that is constantly in the mind and heart, a prayer that establishes a spiritual union with God through Christ.

An entire spiritual tradition known as the Hesychast method of prayer developed around the Jesus Prayer. In The Way of the Pilgrim, a spiritual classic on the Jesus Prayer, the prayer is described as follows:

The continuous interior prayer of Jesus is a constant uninterrupted calling upon the divine name of Jesus with the lips, in the spirit and in the heart; while forming a mental picture of His constant presence, and imploring His grace during every occupation, at all times, in all places, even during sleep. The appeal is couched in these terms, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” One who accustoms himself to this appeal experiences, as a result, so deep a consolation and so great a need to offer the prayer always, that he can no longer live without it, and it will continue to voice itself within him of its own accord.[5] 

I recommend Epiphany as a time to enter into an experience of constant union with Christ through the Jesus Prayer. I have listed below some of the rules for using this prayer suggested by the authors of the spiritual classic, Unseen Warfare, for those who are beginners with the Jesus Prayer:

  1. Begin and end your current practice of prayer with the Jesus Prayer.
  2. Increase the number of repetitions gradually as your enjoyment of the prayer grows.
  3. Recite the prayer slowly and recite it as though you were standing before the Lord himself.
  4. Repeat the prayer whenever you have free time, doing so in the intervals of your occupation and even in your talking.
  5. Make certain the prayer comes from the heart and not merely from the lips.
  6. Always act in a state of complete simplicity and great humility, never attributing success to yourself.
  7. Do not set a time for achievement in this prayer. Decide only one thing: to work and to work. Months and years will go by before the first feeble indications of success begin to show.[6]

Make union with Christ a sincere goal of your Epiphany spirituality and realize that unless you are in union with Christ in your soul, you cannot manifest Christ in your life. I can attest to the value of the Jesus Prayer, as I find myself frequently saying it as I wait to sleep, as I walk or drive, as I face temptation, or as I find free time in my schedule here and there.

Christ Manifest through us

An Epiphany spirituality is not only Christ in us but Christ being revealed through us to others. As God was manifested in Jesus Christ, so Christ is manifested through the church to the world. Because we are the church, the body of Christ who act as salt and light, we are the continuing manifestation of Christ’s love and redeeming power. Of course there are many ways we can express an Epiphany spirituality. For example, Christ is manifested in us when we live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In the early church the fathers saw these fruits of the Spirit expressed in the gift of hospitality. Hospitality is a very special gift because it is a unique means through which Christ can be manifested. Therefore, the early church fathers had much to say about this gift and commended it as a special way to communicate the presence of Jesus. The fathers ask us to consider how frequently God’s presence is associated with hospitality in the Scripture.

A special case in point is the hospitality Abraham offered to three men who appeared at the door of his tent (Gen. 18:1–15). In Christian iconography this event is interpreted as the visitation of the Triune God and has inspired the most famous of all icons, the icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev. Abraham’s hospitality to the three strangers is an inspiring example of the mutual exchange of God’s presence that can occur in the gift of hospitality. While Abraham was manifesting the love of God to these men, they in turn manifested God’s presence to Abraham and Sarah. In keeping with the theme of Epiphany, the time in which Christ is manifested to the whole world, the liturgy of the church calls us to manifest Christ through hospitality.

Hospitality evangelism is the kind of manifestation that may draw a stranger to the gospel into the very heart of Christ. Our world is full of lonely people—students, singles, the disabled, newcomers to town, the shy, the divorced, the aged, and the infirm. Like Abraham and Sarah we need to open up our homes and our lives to them, a hospitality that speaks volumes to the love and warmth of God. Hospitality spirituality stands in the Western tradition of Christian spirituality. In the East, spirituality emphasizes solitude, being alone with the self as a way of practicing the presence of Jesus. But in the West, especially in modern times, there has been a great emphasis on a spirituality that reaches outward towards other people. While both spiritualities are needed for a well-rounded spirituality, Epiphany calls us to move outward toward others to bring them into the life of Christ in the Christian community. All of us know one or more persons or families who live this way as a general rule.

For example, I know of a university professor who purposely located himself at a university with many international students in order to have a hospitality ministry among them. The work of Francis Schaeffer at L’Abri, Switzerland, a ministry to students through his home, reached thousands of people. Covenant House, a ministry to prostitutes, drug addicts, and runaway children in New York, has touched thousands of lives through a hospitality spirituality. While these are well-known examples, the commitment to reach out to one person or one family is no less valuable in God’s eye. I recommend that you make this Epiphany special by choosing a person, a family, or a group of people to host and reach with the Good News. Use the Epiphany season to put into motion a lifelong commitment to reach out. There are a number of ways you can fulfill this calling: Establish a friendship with a stranger; invite a lonely person or family to dinner; begin a neighborhood Bible study and fellowship group in your home.

Conclusion

We gain insight into how Epiphany orders our spiritual lives by looking at the spiritual emphasis associated with Epiphany. It is clearly as the word itself means—a time for the manifestation of Jesus as the Christ, the fulfillment of all Israel’s longing, and the fulfillment of the world’s longing for a Savior. The three great events of the visit of the wise ones, the baptism of Jesus, and the marriage feast at Cana of Galilee express the manifestation of Jesus as the one who accomplishes God’s mission. Because God’s glory has been manifested in Jesus Christ, he calls his disciples and us to manifest his glory by becoming his deeply committed disciples showing forth Christ through our lives. Consequently, for us an Epiphany spirituality is to allow Christ to be manifested in us through prayer and hospitality. May we open our hearts to God’s epiphany within and may we reach out to be God’s epiphany to the strangers in our midst.

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

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Palm Sunday https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/palm-sunday https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/palm-sunday#comments Sun, 02 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/palm-sunday From Palm Sunday to Wednesday of Holy Week

We should not look on Palm Sunday simply as a day to recall the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is that, but it is more. It is our own entry into the most solemn yet the most glorious experience of spirituality. For Jesus, Palm Sunday was his gateway to the culminating events of his earthly life. As we enter that gate with him, our spiritual lives are being ordered into the most sacred moments of the history of the world and of our own experience with the meaning of human existence.

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

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From Palm Sunday to Wednesday of Holy Week

We should not look on Palm Sunday simply as a day to recall the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is that, but it is more. It is our own entry into the most solemn yet the most glorious experience of spirituality. For Jesus, Palm Sunday was his gateway to the culminating events of his earthly life. As we enter that gate with him, our spiritual lives are being ordered into the most sacred moments of the history of the world and of our own experience with the meaning of human existence.

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

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Holy Week: Good Friday through Easter Sunday https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/holy-week- https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/holy-week-#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/holy-week- One of my favorite authors to read on the church calendar is Robbert Webber. Read this excerpt from his book Ancient-Future Time:

The season of Lent officially ends on the Thursday evening of Holy Week. Thursday evening begins what the ancient church called the Triduum, or the three great days. These are the days in which we mark the final events of Jesus’ life.

On Thursday night Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, washed the feet of his disciples, spoke the new commandment of love, and was arrested. The service that remembers this event is called Maundy (new) Thursday. Friday is the day on which Christ was crucified. Today his death is remembered with a number of services such as the Seven Last Words and the Veneration of the Cross. On Saturday during the day, the Lord’s body rests in repose. The three great days end with the Great Paschal Vigil, a Saturday night service of fire, Scripture readings, baptism, and the resurrection Eucharist.

Lent and the three great days are over. Christ is risen. Alleluia! While Lent is the journey into the most significant event of human history, the three great days are a life-changing experience of God’s saving work in history. For Christians there is no time throughout the entire Christian year that is more crucial than the three great days. These are days to be set aside to enter into a worship that is the source of our entire spirituality, a moment in time that defines all time for Christians, a moment in time that is the very sum and substance of our spirituality for every season, every week, every Sunday, and every moment of every day.

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

As we prepare for Easter, we remember Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross and the certain future of our own resurrection through him.

 

 

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One of my favorite authors to read on the church calendar is Robbert Webber. Read this excerpt from his book Ancient-Future Time:

The season of Lent officially ends on the Thursday evening of Holy Week. Thursday evening begins what the ancient church called the Triduum, or the three great days. These are the days in which we mark the final events of Jesus’ life.

On Thursday night Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, washed the feet of his disciples, spoke the new commandment of love, and was arrested. The service that remembers this event is called Maundy (new) Thursday. Friday is the day on which Christ was crucified. Today his death is remembered with a number of services such as the Seven Last Words and the Veneration of the Cross. On Saturday during the day, the Lord’s body rests in repose. The three great days end with the Great Paschal Vigil, a Saturday night service of fire, Scripture readings, baptism, and the resurrection Eucharist.

Lent and the three great days are over. Christ is risen. Alleluia! While Lent is the journey into the most significant event of human history, the three great days are a life-changing experience of God’s saving work in history. For Christians there is no time throughout the entire Christian year that is more crucial than the three great days. These are days to be set aside to enter into a worship that is the source of our entire spirituality, a moment in time that defines all time for Christians, a moment in time that is the very sum and substance of our spirituality for every season, every week, every Sunday, and every moment of every day.

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

As we prepare for Easter, we remember Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross and the certain future of our own resurrection through him.

 

 

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The Annual Rhythm of the Church Calendar https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/the-annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/the-annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0500 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/the-annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar Do you like rhythm? Most people would say they do, but in reality our bodies require it. We have a daily rhythm that requires sleep. Your very heart has a rhythm. Creation has a rhythm. Rhythms are part of who we are. When you think of the church calendar, think of it like a rhythm. Depending on where you are in the year, the church calendar gives you the opportunity to reflect and enter into some aspect of the life of Christ.

Most of us know the rhythms of Easter and Christmas. Our culture is shaped by them as are our holidays and planned family events. But there is much more to the life of Christ than his birth and resurrection, as significant as both of those events are. Advent marks a season where we enter into what the Older Testament believers experienced as they looked forward to Christ. Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:16 that many of the practices of the Jewish people were meant to bring them to the reality that is found in Christ. In Advent, we enter into a season of anticipation and looking forward to the birth of Christ.

Christmas of course is when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas is the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Messiah, to be born in a manger, and to be raised until he is revealed. Epiphany comes next, where we celebrate the fact that Christ has come as the Savior of the World. The season of Epiphany is also a time where we journey with Christ in his ministry as he reveals through signs and wonders that he is the Son of God.

We aren’t to the resurrection yet, but it’s coming! Lent comes next and we begin to walk with Jesus as he makes his way toward the cross. Under constant attack, forces rising on every side, Jesus prepares his disciples for his death and crucifixion. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent and leads us toward what has been called “The Great Tridium.”

This is the moment Jesus has been preparing for and leading his disciples toward. The Great Tridium is made up of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. We will post more later on each of those three days at another time. For now, we move on to Easter morning.

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He defeats death on the cross, taking the sin of the world upon himself, and rises again. You will hear folks say on Easter morning, “He is risen!” and the response “He is risen indeed!” as we reenter what the first witnesses of the resurrection said to one another. This is an expression of faith, hope, and joy as we remember that Christ’s death is our death to sin, and his resurrection is our resurrection to life eternal.

But the story isn’t over. Jesus’ work is not done. The season of Pentecost picks up after Easter season and takes us to Christ the King Sunday. Pentecost is meant to remind us of the coming of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised and that this message of grace will go out into all the world. Until one day, when Christ returns and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the King!

Each of these seasons in the church calendar calls us to consider where we are with our experience and expression of the love of Christ. His life, death, and resurrection shape us as we enter them together with this annual rhythm. I pray your time at Grace Presbyterian Church enables you to enter again and again into the life of following after Christ.

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Do you like rhythm? Most people would say they do, but in reality our bodies require it. We have a daily rhythm that requires sleep. Your very heart has a rhythm. Creation has a rhythm. Rhythms are part of who we are. When you think of the church calendar, think of it like a rhythm. Depending on where you are in the year, the church calendar gives you the opportunity to reflect and enter into some aspect of the life of Christ.

Most of us know the rhythms of Easter and Christmas. Our culture is shaped by them as are our holidays and planned family events. But there is much more to the life of Christ than his birth and resurrection, as significant as both of those events are. Advent marks a season where we enter into what the Older Testament believers experienced as they looked forward to Christ. Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:16 that many of the practices of the Jewish people were meant to bring them to the reality that is found in Christ. In Advent, we enter into a season of anticipation and looking forward to the birth of Christ.

Christmas of course is when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas is the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Messiah, to be born in a manger, and to be raised until he is revealed. Epiphany comes next, where we celebrate the fact that Christ has come as the Savior of the World. The season of Epiphany is also a time where we journey with Christ in his ministry as he reveals through signs and wonders that he is the Son of God.

We aren’t to the resurrection yet, but it’s coming! Lent comes next and we begin to walk with Jesus as he makes his way toward the cross. Under constant attack, forces rising on every side, Jesus prepares his disciples for his death and crucifixion. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent and leads us toward what has been called “The Great Tridium.”

This is the moment Jesus has been preparing for and leading his disciples toward. The Great Tridium is made up of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. We will post more later on each of those three days at another time. For now, we move on to Easter morning.

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He defeats death on the cross, taking the sin of the world upon himself, and rises again. You will hear folks say on Easter morning, “He is risen!” and the response “He is risen indeed!” as we reenter what the first witnesses of the resurrection said to one another. This is an expression of faith, hope, and joy as we remember that Christ’s death is our death to sin, and his resurrection is our resurrection to life eternal.

But the story isn’t over. Jesus’ work is not done. The season of Pentecost picks up after Easter season and takes us to Christ the King Sunday. Pentecost is meant to remind us of the coming of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised and that this message of grace will go out into all the world. Until one day, when Christ returns and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the King!

Each of these seasons in the church calendar calls us to consider where we are with our experience and expression of the love of Christ. His life, death, and resurrection shape us as we enter them together with this annual rhythm. I pray your time at Grace Presbyterian Church enables you to enter again and again into the life of following after Christ.

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What is Ash Wednesday? https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/what-is-ash-wednesday_2 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/what-is-ash-wednesday_2#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0500 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/what-is-ash-wednesday_2 Next Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent. Lent has been practiced throughout church history since the 3rd and 4th centuries. It begins with Ash Wednesday and goes through Holy week. This practice of the 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays because they are feast days where we celebrate the Resurrection and the already-not yet of Jesus’ work of redemption and the establishing of his kingdom) corresponds with the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting. Lent is a season of preparation, repentance, and renewal. It is not a sacrament, it is a discipline. Just as we prepare for big events in our lives like tests, procedures, weddings, and graduations, Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.   

So this Lenten season, we encourage you, if you are not sure about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, or what it means to be involved in the church, spend some time asking questions. We invite you to read the Scriptures to see what they really have to say about who God is and what Jesus came to do. If you are a Christian, this can be a time to ask yourself some hard questions about your spiritual life. The elders and pastoral staff would love to spend time with you digging into what in means to follow Jesus. Wherever you find yourself and whatever your struggling with, please remember, it is crucial to focus on Jesus and the gospel! Don’t miss the love, grace, and joy that is yours in Jesus.

Sometimes people see Lent as no more than an empty ritual where people don’t eat meat or chocolate and eat fish on Friday. This season can become the Christian’s second attempt at a New Year’s Resolution where it is no more than just a self improvement plan. The focus is not on giving something up, but it is about asking yourself, what gets in the way of my resting in Jesus? What do I cherish more than Jesus? Denying ourselves of those things is to remind us that we do not live by bread alone, but that Jesus is the true bread of life, our only source of strength and sustenance.

You could also use this time to immerse yourself in Scripture, to set aside a regular time to pray, get involved in a small group, or serve around you where you see a need. We hope to see you on Wednesday as we make our way toward the cross.

Gratefully,

Kyle

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Next Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent. Lent has been practiced throughout church history since the 3rd and 4th centuries. It begins with Ash Wednesday and goes through Holy week. This practice of the 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays because they are feast days where we celebrate the Resurrection and the already-not yet of Jesus’ work of redemption and the establishing of his kingdom) corresponds with the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting. Lent is a season of preparation, repentance, and renewal. It is not a sacrament, it is a discipline. Just as we prepare for big events in our lives like tests, procedures, weddings, and graduations, Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.   

So this Lenten season, we encourage you, if you are not sure about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, or what it means to be involved in the church, spend some time asking questions. We invite you to read the Scriptures to see what they really have to say about who God is and what Jesus came to do. If you are a Christian, this can be a time to ask yourself some hard questions about your spiritual life. The elders and pastoral staff would love to spend time with you digging into what in means to follow Jesus. Wherever you find yourself and whatever your struggling with, please remember, it is crucial to focus on Jesus and the gospel! Don’t miss the love, grace, and joy that is yours in Jesus.

Sometimes people see Lent as no more than an empty ritual where people don’t eat meat or chocolate and eat fish on Friday. This season can become the Christian’s second attempt at a New Year’s Resolution where it is no more than just a self improvement plan. The focus is not on giving something up, but it is about asking yourself, what gets in the way of my resting in Jesus? What do I cherish more than Jesus? Denying ourselves of those things is to remind us that we do not live by bread alone, but that Jesus is the true bread of life, our only source of strength and sustenance.

You could also use this time to immerse yourself in Scripture, to set aside a regular time to pray, get involved in a small group, or serve around you where you see a need. We hope to see you on Wednesday as we make our way toward the cross.

Gratefully,

Kyle

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Advent: A Season of Anticipation https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/advent:-a-season-of-anticipation https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/advent:-a-season-of-anticipation#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0500 https://www.gpcwoodlands.org/annual-rhythm-of-the-church-calendar/post/advent:-a-season-of-anticipation

The first coming of Christ the Lord, God’s son and our God, was in obscurity; the second will be in the sight of the whole world. When he came in obscurity no one recognized him but his own servants; when he comes openly he will be known by both good people and bad. When he came in obscurity, it was to be judged; when he comes openly it will be to judge. Augustine (AD 354–430)

Advent begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving and takes us all the way to Christmas Eve. The word advent means "the arrival" and so for Christians, this is a season where we celebrate the promise of the advent or arrival of the promised Messiah and King. Why do we care? What difference does it makes if Jesus is who he says he is and is able to do what he promises he does and will do? Consider these ancient words in the Older Testament from Isaiah 65:18 which says,

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people, the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard no more.

Advent is a time we reconnect with the promise of the arrival of this promised one: the one who makes all things new, restores us, and connects us to Lord who is actually able to do what he promises. The one who is able to give us an unshakeable hope to renew, restore, and sustain us.

We live in a world that pulls and seeks our attention. We often prepare for the worst, suffer in silence, and cross our fingers with the idea that hopefully, tomorrow will be better. Advent is God's promise to us that he would send a loveing Lord to meet us with his power, grace, and mercy. And so each year we re-enter that Older Testament anticipation that the Messiah would come ... and then Christmas morning happens! Christ is born!

Here are some ways to re-enter the anticipation and eternal hope Advent invites us into each year:

  1. Come to worship on Sunday's during Advent: We will sing Christmas songs in anticipation of Christ's arrival on Christmas morning. For four weeks, we will remember together what God has promised and prepare our hearts for Christmas Eve.
  2. Reflect personally on the reality that Christ was promised, Christ arrived as a child, and now the Spirit is more and more bringing the love and grace of Christ into your heart and mind today. Sunday worship is important for this, but perhaps pick up an Advent Devotional to guide you in purposefully calling upon God's renewing grace during this season.
  3. Reflect as a family on Advent: We will have family Advent devotionals for you at Grace Presbyterian Church. Children's Church will have an Advent theme and you will find resources to help you remember together the power of this season.
  4. Lastly, consciously prepare your heart and long for him to draw you close. Jesus promises to work in our hearts and to never leave us of course. Advent can be a season where you seek to quite the noise of life and say, "Today Lord, I ask for your grace shape me, shape my family, and enable me to express your love towards others because you came, were born, and reign today!"

I will end this blog post with another quote for you to reflect on as you enter into Advent with anticipation:

Advent is a time when we ask, even plead with God not to leave us alone, for when God leaves us to our own choices and turns us over to our own ways, we are certain to drift from him. Our indifference to God is soon turned into spiritual boredom, a boredom that leads to spiritual inertia and ultimate death to spiritual realities. Advent is a time to cry, “O God, turn me away from my indifference, create in me a heart of repentance, and lead me to the waters of spiritual refreshment.”

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

The good news of the gospel is that because of our newborn King, he will turn us more and more toward his grace and mercy as we seek him together through the gospel. Advent is a wonderful time to sync your heart with the heart of the One who loves you most. May he refresh and renew each of us as we anticipate his work among us.

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The first coming of Christ the Lord, God’s son and our God, was in obscurity; the second will be in the sight of the whole world. When he came in obscurity no one recognized him but his own servants; when he comes openly he will be known by both good people and bad. When he came in obscurity, it was to be judged; when he comes openly it will be to judge. Augustine (AD 354–430)

Advent begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving and takes us all the way to Christmas Eve. The word advent means "the arrival" and so for Christians, this is a season where we celebrate the promise of the advent or arrival of the promised Messiah and King. Why do we care? What difference does it makes if Jesus is who he says he is and is able to do what he promises he does and will do? Consider these ancient words in the Older Testament from Isaiah 65:18 which says,

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people, the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard no more.

Advent is a time we reconnect with the promise of the arrival of this promised one: the one who makes all things new, restores us, and connects us to Lord who is actually able to do what he promises. The one who is able to give us an unshakeable hope to renew, restore, and sustain us.

We live in a world that pulls and seeks our attention. We often prepare for the worst, suffer in silence, and cross our fingers with the idea that hopefully, tomorrow will be better. Advent is God's promise to us that he would send a loveing Lord to meet us with his power, grace, and mercy. And so each year we re-enter that Older Testament anticipation that the Messiah would come ... and then Christmas morning happens! Christ is born!

Here are some ways to re-enter the anticipation and eternal hope Advent invites us into each year:

  1. Come to worship on Sunday's during Advent: We will sing Christmas songs in anticipation of Christ's arrival on Christmas morning. For four weeks, we will remember together what God has promised and prepare our hearts for Christmas Eve.
  2. Reflect personally on the reality that Christ was promised, Christ arrived as a child, and now the Spirit is more and more bringing the love and grace of Christ into your heart and mind today. Sunday worship is important for this, but perhaps pick up an Advent Devotional to guide you in purposefully calling upon God's renewing grace during this season.
  3. Reflect as a family on Advent: We will have family Advent devotionals for you at Grace Presbyterian Church. Children's Church will have an Advent theme and you will find resources to help you remember together the power of this season.
  4. Lastly, consciously prepare your heart and long for him to draw you close. Jesus promises to work in our hearts and to never leave us of course. Advent can be a season where you seek to quite the noise of life and say, "Today Lord, I ask for your grace shape me, shape my family, and enable me to express your love towards others because you came, were born, and reign today!"

I will end this blog post with another quote for you to reflect on as you enter into Advent with anticipation:

Advent is a time when we ask, even plead with God not to leave us alone, for when God leaves us to our own choices and turns us over to our own ways, we are certain to drift from him. Our indifference to God is soon turned into spiritual boredom, a boredom that leads to spiritual inertia and ultimate death to spiritual realities. Advent is a time to cry, “O God, turn me away from my indifference, create in me a heart of repentance, and lead me to the waters of spiritual refreshment.”

Webber, Robert E.. Ancient-Future Time (Ancient-Future) . Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

The good news of the gospel is that because of our newborn King, he will turn us more and more toward his grace and mercy as we seek him together through the gospel. Advent is a wonderful time to sync your heart with the heart of the One who loves you most. May he refresh and renew each of us as we anticipate his work among us.

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