And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.” — Luke 1:46–48 (BSB)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.” — Hebrews 12:1 (BSB)
“For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” — Romans 15:4 (BSB)
The feasts of the Lord—such as Christmas, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday—draw me into the saving work of Christ. Other holy days, such as the Annunciation, All Saints’ Day, and the commemorations of apostles and martyrs, stir gratitude for God’s work in and through His people.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Celebrating holy days is not about mere tradition. It’s about formation. Each feast or commemoration calls us to remember, rejoice, and respond to the living God.”
Bishop Keith Ackerman (Diocese of Quincy, ACNA) explains, “The holy days are the Church’s way of telling the Gospel again and again—through time. We remember the saints not to exalt them, but to glorify the One who made them holy.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer provides appointed Scripture readings and collects for each holy day, not to burden the believer with ritual, but to call the Church into worship and remembrance. Each collect is carefully crafted to express thanksgiving, teach doctrine, and invoke grace.
J.C. Ryle warned against superstition but defended reverent observance: “Let us beware of turning holy days into holidays, but let us not discard them altogether. If they help us remember Christ more and live more humbly, they are used rightly.” (Knots Untied, 1874)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Holy days are invitations. They invite us to remember the faithfulness of God, to rejoice in the communion of saints, and to renew our commitment to the way of Christ.”
By celebrating holy days with reverence and faith, the Church proclaims the Gospel in time, honors the work of God in His people, and encourages each believer to persevere in holiness and hope.
St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD): “In honoring the holy days, we honor Christ. In recalling the saints, we are stirred to imitate their faith and give thanks for God’s grace in them.” — Sermon 85
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Let the feast be kept in holiness. Not with noise, but with thanksgiving; not with pride, but with reverence. These days are given for worship and wisdom.” — Homily on the Forty Martyrs
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “By celebrating holy days, the Church strengthens the faithful and teaches the young. These days are sermons in time, declaring the glory of God.” — Homily on Martyrs, 1
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.
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