“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!’” — Luke 2:10–11 (BSB)
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” — John 20:1 (BSB)
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” — Acts 2:1–2 (BSB)
“And do this, knowing the time. It is already the hour for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.” — Romans 13:11–12 (BSB)
The principal seasons are Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time (or “Trinitytide”). Each season has its own themes, readings, prayers, and liturgical color. Together they proclaim the Gospel—not just in word, but in time itself.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The Church Year tells the story of Jesus over and over until it becomes our story. It baptizes our sense of time into the life of Christ.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “We live in a world of chaos and distraction. The Church Year sanctifies time. It helps us slow down, listen, remember, and celebrate what matters most: the saving work of God in Christ.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer provides a full calendar of feasts and fasts, including major holy days like Christmas, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost, and encourages their observance for the edification of the faithful.
J.C. Ryle cautioned against ritualism, yet valued the Church Year’s focus: “The keeping of holy days is not commanded, but rightly used, it turns our attention to the mighty acts of God. Let us remember what Christ has done, and not let time pass thoughtlessly.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) says, “The Church Year roots us in the Gospel and walks us through it again and again. In every season, God meets us where we are—with hope, grace, and the promise of His kingdom.”
The Church Year is not about empty tradition—it is about remembering who God is, what He has done, and how we are called to live in light of Christ’s appearing. It trains our hearts to hope, watch, grieve, rejoice, and follow Jesus day by day.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Church keeps the seasons of Christ—not for superstition, but for remembrance. These days proclaim grace, not obligation.” — Sermon 202
St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD): “What the faithful believe with the heart, they must also celebrate with the calendar. The feasts of the Lord are sermons in time.” — Sermon 12, On the Nativity
St. Gregory Nazianzus (c. 329–390 AD): “Let us not keep the feast as a mere custom, but as a spiritual act. Every holy day is a summons to become what we celebrate.” — Oration 38, On Theophany
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
