What is the "Church Year?"

The organization of the year in which we celebrate the great acts that God did in Christ for our salvation. The church year begins with the Advent season, usually late in November, and ends with Christ the King Sunday the following November.

We are beginning the season of Advent.

Bible Background:  Luke 1:5-25 (birth of John the Baptist foretold), 26-38 (birth of Jesus foretold), 39-45 (Mary visits Elizabeth), 57-66 (birth of John the Baptist).

Time:  Advent is the first season of the church year.  It begins four weeks before Christmas, on the Sunday closest to Nov. 30.  It ends on Christmas Eve.

Color:  Purple is the traditional color of the *paraments, vestments and other accessories of Advent. It signifies royalty and reminds us that Jesus was born to be our King. Many churches choose to use blue (as Good Shepherd does), the color of hope and anticipation.  Look at the *vestments used in our church.  Explain to your child what the color means.

* Paraments:  Cloth hangings for the altar, pulpit and lectern.  These indicate the day or season of the church year by their color.

* Vestments:  Garments worn by those performing worship service duties.

About Advent:

• Advent means "coming" or "drawing near."  Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of Christ.
• The lessons read from the Bible during Advent feature words of the Old Testament prophets telling God's people that He would send the Savior.
• An Advent wreath is often used to mark the four weeks of Advent.  The wreath contains four candles. One candle is lit on the first Sunday in Advent. Each week, an additional candle is lit. Finally, on the Sunday before Christmas, all four candles will be burning brightly. Some churches add a "Christ candle" in the middle of the wreath (Good Shepherd does), which is lit on Christmas Day. An Advent wreath also can be used as part of your families Advent devotions.