At KeepingAdvent.com, we want to reacquaint Christians with the graceful rhythms of the Church Calendar, a way of keeping company with Christ and staying immersed in the Gospel story throughout the year.
For Christians not familiar with the Church Calendar, Advent – the holy season of preparation that precedes Christmas – is an easy entry point. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year, and because of its connection to Christmas, most people find its rhythms familiar.
But the Church Calendar is much more than Advent. It is an annual cycle of seasons, each connected to an important event in Christ's life and ministry. Through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost, Christians commemorate Christ's birth, ministry, passion, death, resurrection, and second coming. The Calendar imparts a sacred rhythm to our everyday activities. As we recall and participate in history's great salvation events, we are carried along with Christ throughout the year.
For more on the Church Calendar, read our essay, "The Church Calendar: Following the Pattern of Christ." Visit our home page for the "What Time Is It?" section, which highlights the current church season, dates, themes, and where you can learn more. Finally, keep up with our Blog for posts on the church seasons, including lectionary readings, prayers, short reflections, and selections of music, poetry, and art to enrich your journey through the year.
Our family has experienced such richness and joy in learning to observe the Calendar as Christians have done through the centuries. We’re excited to be on this journey with you!
[Banner image: Canterbury Cathedral Choir, image credit.]