giving thanks…for my family

• Author: Brad
• Filed under: 'holy'days, Christian season
• Date: Nov 23,2006

ordinarily green

• Author: Brad
• Filed under: Christian season, missiology, reflections
• Date: Sep 28,2006

In keeping with observing the Christian calendar here on relevintage.com, today we take a look at a period of time from Pentecost to the beginning of Advent-about six months-called ‘Ordinary Time.’ [The term Ordinary does not mean common or plain, but is derived from the term ordinal or "numbered]

The emphasis of this six month period of time is the Church entering the world with the Gospel and experiencing both growth and trials in that mission. The Church also yearns to embrace more deeply the teachings of Christ and grow in their obedience and service during this time.

Each day and/or period in the Christian calendar is associated with a color. Green is the liturgical color of Ordinary Time.

What if Christians treated Ordinary Time as something extraordinary-a time to reach out to our communities and world with the love of God with acts of service and justice?

salvation’s instrument

• Author: Brad
• Filed under: 'holy'days, Christian season, editorial
• Date: Sep 16,2006

In the Christian liturgical calendar, there are several different feasts known as Feasts of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Traditionally, on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is observed. On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (or Triumph of the Cross) we honor the cross by which Christ redeemed the world.

In short, Christians “exalt” the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our salvation. Adoration of the Cross is, thus, adoration of Jesus Christ, the God Man, who suffered and died on this Roman instrument of torture for our redemption from sin and death.

The cross represents the One Sacrifice by which Jesus, obedient even unto death, accomplished our salvation. The cross is a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ — all in one image.

Though it’s a bit belated, may we remember salvation’s instrument today…

ancient-future commemoration

• Author: Brad
• Filed under: 'holy'days, Christian season
• Date: Jun 22,2006

During the most recent Easter holiday weekend, I posted entries on Good Friday evening and Easter morning that celebrated the importance of those particular days. I categorized those entries as ‘holy’days [a take off the word 'holidays'].

As I looked back on those entries recently, I realized I was actually doing something very old. For centuries, Christians have been paying homage to the significant events that make Christianity unique.

In recent years, there has been a revival interest in liturgy, ancient disciplines, Christian seasons, and the Jewish roots of Christianity. Dan Kimball, in his book Emerging Worship, says this:

…among emerging generations, there is a desire to seek the ancient…so a revival of liturgy and other ancient disciplines, when brought with life and meaning, are a desired approach to worship in the emerging church.

I find myself a part of this emerging generation that is resonating with this resurgence.

For this blog, I would like to help us remember to specifically reflect on the importance of the Christian or liturgical season. As we encounter these events during our calendar year, I will be posting a variety of things to assist us in this end.

I will using the Western Christian liturgical calendar which is based on the cycle of the Roman or Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church.

Generally, the liturgical seasons in western Christianity are Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (Time after Epiphany), Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (Time after Pentecost). I will be using the more complete calendar found on universalis.com for a broader representation of the Christian year [albiet staying away from the things we Protestants find weird; i.e. sainthood].

I hope you find this helpful in your walk with the Lord!