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Advent, Christmas and Epiphany

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Liturgical time-Advent, Christmas and Epiphany 2016-2017 “Year A” What is liturgical time? Holy (Sanctified) Time Where does the Modern Liturgical Calendar Come from? • Jewish tradition • Daily, Weekly, Seasonal Prayer • Observations ofChurch Feast and Calendar Fasts • Day from Sundown to Sundown • Roman tradition • Midnight to Midnight • Christian tradition • Focus on incarnation and resurrection Advent 4 Weeks Preceding Christmas Season of Waiting, Preparation, Anticipation May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen For What are You Waiting… Be prepared… Be mindful in your waiting… There are no specific numbers of days in Advent. There are 4 Sundays which are fully incorporated into the Season. The season is “back dated” based upon the celebration of Christmas. Advent Wreath Relatively new liturgical practice- Which started as a home devotional and was adopted into liturgical use in the mid-twentieth century. Purple or Blue Truth is – in the Book of Common Prayer there are no rubrics The Great Advent Debate which determine color. Tridentine pattern in 1570 Latin Rite in the 13th Century Council of Trent About Liturgical White – for all feasts except Remains the same as Latin Colors martyrs Rite but allows for Blue or Violet to be used instead of Red- for martyrs Black Black – for penitential days Green- for all other occasions Purple or Blue are both Liturgically appropriate Tradition says to use your best vestments and paraments for the Feasts of Incarnation and Resurrection (Christmas and Easter) Genesis 2: 4b-9, 15-25 Isaiah 7: 10-15 God creates man and woman to live in God promises that a child shall be conceived obedience to him in the Garden of Eden. who will be known as "God with us." Genesis 3: 1-22 or 3: 1-15 Micah 5: 2-4 Adam and Eve rebel against God and are cast The one who is to rule Israel will be born in out of the Garden of Eden. the village of Bethlehem. Isaiah 40: 1-11 Isaiah 11: 1-9 God comforts his people and calls on them to The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the Holy prepare for redemption. One. Jeremiah 31: 31-34 Zephaniah 3: 14-18 Advent A new covenant is promised which will be The Lord will be among us; we are summoned written in our hearts. to rejoice and sing. Lessons and Isaiah 64: 1-9a Isaiah 65: 17-25 Carols God is called upon to act and to come among God promises a new heaven and a new earth. us. Luke 1: 5-25 Isaiah 6: 1-11 An angel announces to Zechariah that his God reveals his glory to the prophet and calls wife Elizabeth will bear a son. him to be his messenger. Luke 1: 26-38 or 1: 26-56 Isaiah 35: 1-10 The Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin The prophet proclaims that God will come Mary that she will bear the Son of the Most and save us. High. Baruch 4: 36--5: 9 Do you see any themes in these The Scribe Baruch urges the people to look readings? East because salvation is at hand. Christmas The Feast of the Incarnation Celebrating the Word made Flesh Being present in our bodies… Being fully human… Check in with your physical being during the celebration of the Incarnation First Lesson from Genesis 3: 8–15; Fifth Lesson from the Gospel of 17–19 Luke 1: 26–35; 38 God tells sinful Adam that he has lost The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed the life of Paradise and that his seed Virgin Mary. will bruise the serpent’s head. Sixth Lesson from Luke 2: 1; 3–7 Second Lesson from Genesis 22: St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. 15–18 Christmas God promises to faithful Abraham Seventh Lesson from Luke 2: 8–16 that in his seed shall all the nations of The shepherds go to the manger. Lessons and the earth be blessed. Eighth Lesson from the Gospel of Third Lesson from Isaiah 9: 2; 6–7 Matthew 2: 1–12 Carols The prophet foretells the coming of The wise men are led by the star to the Saviour. Jesus. Fourth Lesson from Isaiah 11: 1–3a; Ninth Lesson from the Gospel of 4a; 6–9 John 1: 1–14 The peace that Christ will bring is St John unfolds the great mystery of foreshown. the Incarnation. Celebration of Christmas was not established until the late 4th Christmas is not Century Jesus’ Birthday Births were not celebrated in the ancient world Jesus’ birth was only considered important in hindsight Contrary to what you may have learned in Sunday School. The Humanity of Jesus became of equal importance to his death and resurrection between the 325 (The Council of Nicaea)and 381 (The Council of Constantinople) Incarnation Nativity The Feast of Christmas celebrates two God made Man in Christ Jesus born in a manger themes The Gospel of John The Gospel of Luke Roots of Christmas Celebrations Rome and Jerusalem In Rome In Jerursalem Blended Customs Three Services for the Feast The Feast of the Nativity was of the Incarnation actually observed at Epiphany Lead to our Daily Papal Mass- at 9 am (Missa in die) Consisted of two services on modern the eve in Bethlehem Sunrise service (Missa aurora) observance One Service in the Main Midnight mass (Missa Church in Jerusalem the nochte) following morning. O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth The Episcopal of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence Church has 3 behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and versions of collects for ever. Amen. (Christmas Eve Early Service) Combines Advent and Christmas Themes and Eucharistic O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known prayers for the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he Christmas lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen (Christmas Eve Late Service) This comes from the vigil mass at the basicilica of St Mary Major in Rome which highlight the themes of the season Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (Christmas Day) This comes from the 1549 prayer book and is possibly part of the sun down service as described by Egeria in her 4th century pilgrimage to Jerusalem December 26, 27: The Feasts of Stephen and John predate the 12 Days of Celebration of the Feast of the Incarnation. December 28: The Feast of Holy Innocents is the only one related Christmas to the season of Christmas –(Matthew 2:13-18 Herod’s murder of Why does this include Feasts of St the innocent children in Jerusalem) Stephen, St John and the Holy Innocents? January 2 The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (Always the 8th day after Christmas) Epiphany A Feast and A Season Day of Epiphany is not the “Completion” A season of hopefulness and looking forward The Baptism of Jesus is always the 1st Sunday in Epiphany of Christmas Looking forward to the ministry of Jesus Season after Looking forward to our own ministry as baptized Christians Epiphany is “Ordinary Time” Epiphany Season Better to be called the season after Epiphany as our siblings in the ELCA call it Or Ordinary Time as Roman Catholics do The Ministry and Life of Jesus Themes of the Beginning with his baptism in the Jordan Looking forward to the miracles Readings for Looking forward to the healings the Season Looking forward to the cross After Epiphany Our Ministry and Life are likewise in the future What are we looking forward to? Time between January 6 and Ash Wednesday No set length of time for this season it is dependent on the date of Easter which is determined based upon the lunar calendar … more information about this when we talk about Lent and Easter. Trans- Despite the fact that the Last Sunday After Epiphany always figuration includes the readings which refer to the Transfiguration of Jesus- it Readings is not the Feast of the Transfiguration. The Feast of the Transfiguration is observed on August 6. Confusion .
Recommended publications
  • The Epiphany Gospels MICHAEL ROGNESS

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    Word & World Volume 24, Number 1 Winter 2004 Texts in Context “You are my Son, the Beloved”: The Epiphany Gospels MICHAEL ROGNESS he Epiphany season is placed awkwardly between the pillars of Christmas and Lent, generally a somewhat down time in pastoral activity. Among early Greek Christians, however, this season focused on Jesus’ baptism as the manifestation of his true person and mission. As a church festival it ranked right up there with Easter and Pentecost. The Western or Latin church shifted the emphasis of Epiphany to Jesus’ manifestation to the Gentiles, marked by the visit of the foreign magi from the East, those strange astrologers who saw the star (or conjunction of planets) announcing the birth of a king among the Hebrews. Therefore Matt 2:1–12 launches the Epiph- any story. This puzzles listeners in the pews, because our image of the wise men has been formed by Sunday School Christmas tableaus, with three boys standing to one side of the manger draped in their parents’ bathrobes and holding aluminum- foil-wrapped boxes as presents for the Bethlehem child. By December 26 we’re done with the wise men, but here they come again, twelve days later, singing “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” It’s an odd chronology, though probably not a problem for most Protestant churches, since few of us will actually worship on January 6 itself! FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD): LUKE 3:15–17, 21–22 The Epiphany theme begins more logically with the baptism of Jesus. This year’s sequence will strike the preacher as odd, however, since the Gospel lessons of As the season of Epiphany progresses, the appointed Gospel readings make clearer and clearer the meaning of the voice at Jesus’ baptism: “You are my Son, the Beloved.” The preacher’s task is to present this message as fully as possible.
  • Epiphany in Australia Epiphany Is a Christian Observance in Countries Such As Australia on January 6 Each Year

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    Epiphany in Australia Epiphany is a Christian observance in countries such as Australia on January 6 each year. It commemorates the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth, as told in the Christian bible. This feast is also known as the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Various artwork relating to Epiphany often show the three wise men (or kings). ©iStockphoto.com/kim258 What Do People Do? Many churches, particularly Catholic churches, in Australia have special Epiphany services on or around January 6 each year. Many Epiphany church services focus on the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth. However, many churches also focus on the theme of Jesus’ baptism, in which Jesus’ public life begins with his baptism by John the Baptist. Some churches may have social gatherings, including morning teas, after an Epiphany church service. Background Epiphany commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles.
  • A Collection of Texts Celebrating Joss Whedon and His Works Krista Silva University of Puget Sound, Ksilva@Pugetsound.Edu

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  • Epiphany and Lent Resources

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    Epiphany and Lent Resources This document is also available on our website. You can find it HERE. The advantage to downloading this document from the website rather than just using the print version is that the links in it are clickable so you don’t have to type in these long addresses. Of course, you can also just search for them in Google by entering several related words and then click on the link there. You can find the lessons for each Sunday here: http://www.lectionarypage.net/CalndrsIndexes/Calendar2017.html Our three Episcopal publishers have an assortment of seasonal resources; search for Epiphany or Lent Forward Movement: https://www.forwardmovement.org Church Publishing: https://www.churchpublishing.org LeaderResources: https://www.leaderresources.org Because LeaderResources is locally owned, Rhode Island churches can choose their discount by entering EDRI100 in the coupon code box for a 100% discount, EDRI75 for a 75% discount, EDRI50 or EDRI25. The Episcopal Church Foundation has articles and links to resources here: http://www.ecfvp.org Anglicans Online has resources listed here: http://anglicansonline.org/resources/seasonal.html Our United Methodist colleagues have a list of their resources here: http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources Our Lutheran colleagues have resources that you will be able to find here: https://www.elca.org/en/Resources The Anglican Church of Canada has resources here: http://www.anglican.ca The Society of St. John the Evangelist (Cowley Brothers), a monastic community in Cambridge, MA, usually have excellent resources. You can sign up to get notice of when resources are posted or just find them here: http://ssje.org/ssje/faith-formation-offerings/ The Episcopal Church has free Sunday School lesson plans for year round.
  • Second Sunday of Christmastide Epiphany

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    SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMASTIDE *Invocation Prayer EPIPHANY SUNDAY Song of Praise #233 “We Three Kings” Kings of Orient JANUARY 3, 2021 WE HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD WE GATHER IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD Old Testament Reading Isaiah 60:1-6 Prelude New Testament Reading Ephesians 3:1-12 Welcome, Announcements & Greeting Time Brice Smith *Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12 Opening #229 “The First Noel” CANTIQUE DE NOËL Responsorial #236 “As with Gladness Men of Old” DIX *Call to Worship rd The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord, because it Children’s Message (3 Grade and younger to Junior Church) brings joy to all humanity. Invitation to Giving our Tithes, Gifts, and Offerings & Prayer Old people and infants alike enjoy your day. Your day is celebrated from generation to generation. Message “The Revelation of God: A Star, A Word, A Child” Kings and emperors may pass away, and the festivals to The Reverend Doctor Ivan E. Greuter, Senior Minister commemorate them soon lapse. But your festival will be remembered till the end of time. THE SERVICE OF THE TABLE OF THE LORD Your day is a means and a pledge of peace. Invitation to the Lord’s Table – We practice open communion. All At your birth, heaven and earth were reconciled; persons who profess faith in Jesus Christ are invited to partake of Since you came from heaven to earth on that day you forgave this memorial meal. You do not need to be a member of this church our sins and wiped away our guilt.
  • Bulletin Christmastide and Epiphany

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    CHRISTMASTIDE AND EPIPHANY SECOND SUNDAY after CHRISTMAS Liturgy of the word Ecclesiasticus 24:1-2, 8-12. From eternity, in the beginning, God created wisdom Psalm 147 The Word was made flesh and lived among us. Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 . Before the world was made, God chose us in Christ. GOSPEL: JOHN 1:1-18 The Word was made flesh and lived among us. Thought for the day I have just heard a BBC television announcer asking what you call this time of the year. The answer is fairly obvious: it is Christmastide – the twelve days of Christmas leading us the Epiphany. In many ways it is a quiet time. The hectic rush of getting ready for and celebrating Christmas is over. This year has been a quiet and unusual celebration with families unable to meet together. But these days of Christmastide provide us with the opportunity to consider the meaning of the Christmas story as we prepare to celebrate the Epiphany when God showed forth his salvation to the whole world. The readings of today’s Mass help us to do just that. The first reading, the Prologue to John’s Gospel is a profound meditation on God coming into our world as a human being. Christmas is not just about a baby being born in Bethlehem; it about the God who created everything taking flesh and living among us. The first words of the Prologue spell out magnificently what it means for us: In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and the Word was God.
  • The Liturgical Year

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    The Liturgical Year The Liturgical Year The liturgical church year consists of an organization of Scripture readings and liturgical emphases that tell the story of Godʼs saving work in Jesus Christ in a recurring pattern. Within protestantism, the liturgical year has been organized in more than one way. At Christ Church, the liturgical year is divided into 7 distinct seasons. They are: The Season of Advent The Season of Christmas (sometimes called Christmastide) The Season of Epiphany The Season of Lent The Season of Easter (sometimes called Eastertide) The Season of Pentecost The Season of Dominiontide Liturgical Colors Liturgical colors are used in paraments (draped cloths) hung over the altar and lecterns and in other ways (ministerial/choir stoles, etc.) to call attention to each particular season and its emphasis. The variety of liturgical colors in the church arose from the mystical meaning attached to them in antiquity. Thus white, the symbol of light, typifies innocence and purity, joy and glory; red, the symbol of fire and blood, indicates the flames of the Holy Spirit and the blood of martyrs; green, the hue of plants and trees, bespeaks the hope of life eternal, as well as growth and vitality; violet (or purple), the gloomy cast of the mortified, denotes affliction, melancholy and penitence; while black, the universal emblem of mourning, signifies the sorrow of death and the somberness of the tomb. Originally, these were the only colors used in the church. Now, however, many churches (including our own) sometimes use blue and gold, as well as other colors. Blue is used in Advent to symbolize the peace and joy that the birth of the long-awaited Messiah brings; gold is sometimes used at Easter and on Christ the King Sunday to signify the royalty of the risen King of kings.
  • EPIPHANY Inclusive Employer Guide

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    EPIPHANY Inclusive Employer Guide EQUITY · DIVERSITY · INCLUSION What is Epiphany? Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, marking the end of the Christmas holiday. What does Epiphany mean, and what does the day commemorate? Epiphany, meaning “manifestation” or “showing forth”, has been celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It is also called Theophany or “manifestation of God”, especially by Eastern Christians.The holiday commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the Three Kings or the Magi visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany, while the Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. How is Epiphany observed? Epiphany is celebrated in various ways around the world. In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In France Le Jour des Rois (the Day of Kings), sometimes called the Fête des Rois, is celebrated with parties for children and adults. In Spain, the holiday is known as Kings’ Day or the Día de Los Reyes, and is celebrated just like a second Christmas, with feasting and the giving of presents. In Latin America Día de los Reyes Magos is the celebration of Epiphany, during which the three wise men bring gifts for children.
  • January 6, 2019

    January 6, 2019

    THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD | JANUARY 6, 2019 CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PAUL NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL 239 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 651.228.1766 | www.cathedralsaintpaul.org Rev. John L. Ubel, Rector Rev. Mark Pavlak (Sundays) Deacons Phil Stewart, Ron Schmitz & Nao Kao Yang ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop PHOTOGRAPHY — The Cathedral welcomes all visitors to Mass today. We encourage those who wish to take photos of this sacred space to do so freely before and after Mass. Once the opening announcement is made, please refrain from taking photos and videos until Mass has concluded. Thank you. OPENING HYMN THE FIRST NOWELL 408 The First Nowell INTROIT (8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.) Ecce advenit Gregorian Missal, Mode II Ecce advénit dominátor Dóminus: et regnum in manu eius, et potéstas, et impérium. Ps. Deus, iudícium tuum regi da: et iustítiam tuam fílio regis. Behold, the Sovereign Lord is coming; kingship, government and power are in his hands. Endow the King with your judgment, O God, and the King’s ℣. son with your righteousness. Cf. Mal 3:1; 1 Chron 29:12; Ps 72:1, 10, 11 GREETING Roman Missal Celebrant: X In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ℟. Amen. Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (or similar greeting) ℟. And with your spirit.
  • Resources for the Home During the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Season

    Resources for the Home During the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Season

    Resources for the home during the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Season The church year has a rhythm of seasons. Advent marks the beginning of this cycle and is a time of preparation. It is a time we remember all the ways that God has come to us and will come to us. It's a time of waiting, expectancy, and contemplation. On December 25th we celebrate the great feast of Jesus' birth. May your family find joy and hope as you anticipate the coming of our Savior. This year, more than ever, we are spending more time at home with our families. Make a commitment this year to have family devotions and retell the story of Jesus birth. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Advent On the first Sunday of Advent (November 29th this year), set up an Advent wreath in a place where your family gathers. Many people make it the center piece for their table. Light the wreath each night at dinner or every Sunday (One candle for each week of Advent). Read Advent prayers and sing an Advent hymn. See the dinner prayers included in this packet. More ideas for prayers, readings, activities, and songs can be found on the internet or in Christian bookstores. Also enjoy opening the Advent Calendar each morning! If you have a crèche, put it in a place that is accessible to children. Try putting the shepherds, Mary and Joseph and Wise men in different places around the house. Have them move closer each day as if they are getting closer to Bethlehem. Some people like to wait until Christmas morning to put their baby Jesus in the manger.
  • Order of Service

    Order of Service

    St John’s College Chapel Epiphany Carol Service Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 January 2018 6.00 pm Please turn the page quietly EPIPHANY Epiphany celebrates the appearance of God’s glory in the world through the birth of Jesus, our Emmanuel (‘God with us’), and the revelation of the incarnation to the Gentiles, and indeed the whole of creation. It has been marked since the 3rd Century with a Feast Day on the 6th of January and celebrated in both East and West in a rich variety of ways. In the Western Church, the emphasis has been on the nativity itself and the acknowledgement of Christ’s sovereignty over all through the visit of the Magi bringing their gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. The revelation of his true nature is echoed in the words of the prophet Simeon, the Nunc Dimittis, at the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (February 2nd) that marks the end of the season of Epiphany. The Greek word epiphany (έπιφάνεια) means literally ‘appearance’ and refers above all to the ‘manifestation’ of a god. It is the moment and the means by which we see that Jesus is so much more than a good human being, a wise teacher and a moral example but in fact God made man, the Word become flesh. It is in this sense that Simeon declares him to be ‘salvation’ and ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ and that later Jesus calls himself ‘the Light of the World,’ and so the symbolism of light pervades both this season and our service.
  • “It's More Than a Liturgical Calendar: It's a Way of Life”

    “It's More Than a Liturgical Calendar: It's a Way of Life”

    “It’s More than a Liturgical Calendar: It’s a Way of Life” Reverend Mary Altalo INTRODUCTION Our entire world has one glorious model of liturgical cycles—the seasons. Cycles of birth, life and death abound as living examples of the patterns, complexities, ever-changing state and glories of life—this life, in “flesh”, here and now. Nature itself is the one common experience of all humankind-- the one uniting pattern for all of the religions and sects, of all time; and if we destroy the seasonal nature of our planet, do we not destroy the immanent pattern for religion as well? The cycles are not confined to this earth existence alone, as we participate in the “seasonality” of the entire universe, in a constant cycle of expansion and contraction, a state of constant change, evolving into complexity, in a constant state of “becoming”. And it is this light that I write this paper, with the goal of representing our liturgical cycles in context: the context of our ever constant journey towards union with the Divine Consciousness and aiding humanity in doing the same. Jesus was the role model for this and his ultimate gift to humanity was teaching us that attaining Divine consciousness through the fusion of the transcendent nature of God and the immanent qualities of the life –force contained in the body was possible. The body/mind-soul-spirit “combo” was now sufficiently evolved to aid us in the process of transformation. In fact he commanded us to do this and to follow his lead. But somewhere along the line, some of the followers lost sight of the goal, or rather began to doubt that this transformation was possible and thus the attention was diverted from teaching HOW to attain mystical union as Jesus taught and demonstrated, to teaching ABOUT Jesus.