We live in cycles of seasons, holidays, and birthdays. The same was true of the Israelites, whose cycles of life were shaped around feasts and festivals, later known as the church calendar. As you look at the church calendar, here are four things you should know:
It Began in the Old Testament
The church calendar began in the Old Testament, which tells us of Israel’s feasts and festivals. The subject of each feast and festival was different, but the core purpose of each was to remember God’s actions on behalf of His people. Let’s look at the purpose of each festival.
- Passover—Each Passover, the Israelites remembered God delivering them from death because of the blood of the lamb (Ex. 12). Israel’s celebration of the Passover pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb sacrificed for the sins of the world.
- Feast of Unleavened Bread—Immediately following Passover, the Israelites ate unleavened bread to recall their exodus from Egypt. The feast reminded the Israelites and their descendants to leave behind their old life of sin and live in God-honoring ways.
- Feast of Firstfruits – This feast took place at the beginning of the harvest, showing Israel’s gratitude to God through sacrifices of the harvest’s firstfruits. This feast foreshadowed Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20), the final offering for sin.
- Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)—Celebrated fifty days after Firstfruits, this feast thanked God for the harvest, while foreshadowing the coming Holy Spirit who would dwell in the hearts of God’s people (John 14:16).
- Feast of Trumpets—This feast commemorated the end of the agricultural and festival year, reflecting on God’s ongoing providence. This feast also anticipated the forthcoming Day of Atonement.
- Day of Atonement—The Day of Atonement marked the entrance of the High Priest into the Holy of Holies to make an offering for Israel’s sins. This festival foreshadowed the death of Jesus Christ, in which He entered the Holy of Holies once for all as both the perfect high priest and the perfect sacrifice for the sins of his people.
- Feast of Tabernacles (Booths)—Five days after the Day of Atonement, the Israelites presented offerings to God and lived in huts made from palm branches. This helped them remember their time in the wilderness prior to entering the Promised Land. This feast foreshadowed Christ’s dwelling among humanity in His incarnation.
Old Testament Feasts Pointed to New Testament Celebrations
These feasts and festivals from the Old Testament commemorated God’s actions on Israel’s behalf and are now reflected in the church calendar. While we no longer sacrifice animals to atone for sins or live in a largely agrarian society, the celebrations on our church calendar help us remember God’s actions on behalf of his people.
Advent precedes the celebration of Christmas and Epiphany, where we remember Christ’s incarnation among Jews and Gentiles alike, welcoming all who come by faith into the covenant. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of repentance and reflection. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, remembering Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and journey to the cross, his death (Good Friday), rest in the tomb (Holy Saturday), and resurrection (Easter Sunday). Fifty days after Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday recalls the Holy Spirit being poured out on believers in Jerusalem (Acts 2), as a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. Trinity Sunday is celebrated one week after Pentecost, recalling the role of the Trinity in the history of redemption. These celebrations on the church calendar encourage believers to look back on God’s sovereignty and providence in redemptive history.
Our Celebrations Have the Same Purpose
Although denominations and individual believers may share different convictions regarding the application of the church calendar, we share a common joy which is reflected in these celebrations. Throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament, Christians are exhorted to celebrate and give thanks to God for his grace, goodness and providence in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16, Col. 2:6–7, Phil. 4:4–7). First, we look back on the history of redemption, thanking God for His work on behalf of His people (1 Cor. 11:23–32). Second, we look forward together, anticipating how God will continue to work out His plan of salvation and redemption (Rom. 8:18–25, 28–39).
Each Christian Celebrates Differently
As we approach the church calendar and these opportunities to commemorate God’s work in redemptive history, it’s important to remember that each Christian celebrates differently because of the liberty granted to them in the Gospel. Romans 14:5–6 reminds us,
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
In Christ, each of us has the freedom to observe these days in the way God convicts us. The church calendar is not binding! The Israelites were required to keep particular feasts and festivals, as they pointed forward to what has now been accomplished, and were given these commands in the laws of the old covenant, which was abolished in the death of Jesus Christ (Heb. 8:6–13). In the new covenant, we are freed to celebrate and give thanks as God convicts and guides, while obeying the Scriptural command to keep and observe the Sabbath.
If you’re interested in learning more about the church calendar, there’s many ways to investigate. Consider buying a liturgy book or similar resource to use in your personal devotions. If a friend or family member attends a church that follows the church calendar, ask them for insight or consider visiting their church! Some denominations that incorporate the church calendar into their worship services include Anglicans, Episcopals, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians.
As you recognize that each believer celebrates differently, take advantage of opportunities to learn from other people and traditions in order to develop your own habits for celebration and reflection. In the cycles of each month and year, take time to reflect on how each celebration points to God’s sovereign, ongoing action in redemptive history.
