Some of my friends are getting crosses put on their foreheads and talking about "Lent". What is this all about?
Today marks "Ash Wednesday", which is traditionally the first day of "Lent". Those are two terms that you don't often hear about in EFCA churches, but which are generally celebrated by Christian churches around the world. Neither is mentioned in the Bible, so there is no requirement to observe either. But it can be useful to understand the traditions, at the very least.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent on the church calendar - exactly 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. It is celebrated by the placing of ashes on the forehead of faithful Christians, to represent repentance as one looks forward to Good Friday (Jesus's death for our sins) and Easter (Jesus's resurrection from the dead). More on the holiday can be found here: http://www.gotquestions.org/Ash-Wednesday.html.
Lent marks a 46 day season (40 days not including Sunday) before Easter, during which many Christians choose to renew their commitment to Jesus and symbolize it with acts of self-denial. It is traditional among many Christian denominations to give up some beloved thing during this time period to remind themselves that Jesus must come first in their lives. Often the beloved thing is a favorite food (chocolate, red meat, etc.) or a favorite activity (television, golf, etc.). More can be found on the observance here: http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Lent.html
Showing posts with label tradition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tradition. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Monday, September 15, 2014
DID YOU KNOW: What is "Pentecost"?
This is a reprint from this summer's "DID YOU KNOW" series. But it is especially appropriate given this week's chapter.
What is "Pentecost"?
You may or may not have noticed, but today is the traditional observation of the church holiday of Pentecost. Unlike Christmas or Easter or even Palm Sunday, it is not often noted in Protestant churches (except Pentecostal ones) but it is an important day both for Ancient Israel and for the Church.
Pentecost is literally Greek for "the Fiftieth Day" on the Hebrew calendar and is set aside in scripture as a day to remember the giving of the law and thank God for His gift of the first fruits of the harvest. It's called "The Feast of Weeks" or Shavuot. (Exodus 34:22)
But Pentecost is also the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, visible as tongues of fire. They spoke in other languages they did not previously know, and from that time on did miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-31).
There are many church traditions for Pentecost (none of which are scriptural, but they mark how various churches have regarded the holiday in times past). Many churches decorate themselves with the color red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. Some do special teaching or scripture reading in foreign languages, to commemorate the speaking in tongues. And many place a symbol of a dove prominently to remind Congregations to think of the Holy Spirit. The time between Ascension Sunday and Pentecost is often also marked with Fasting and Praying together, marking the time that the disciples waited patiently for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
What is "Pentecost"?
You may or may not have noticed, but today is the traditional observation of the church holiday of Pentecost. Unlike Christmas or Easter or even Palm Sunday, it is not often noted in Protestant churches (except Pentecostal ones) but it is an important day both for Ancient Israel and for the Church.
Pentecost is literally Greek for "the Fiftieth Day" on the Hebrew calendar and is set aside in scripture as a day to remember the giving of the law and thank God for His gift of the first fruits of the harvest. It's called "The Feast of Weeks" or Shavuot. (Exodus 34:22)
But Pentecost is also the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, visible as tongues of fire. They spoke in other languages they did not previously know, and from that time on did miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-31).
There are many church traditions for Pentecost (none of which are scriptural, but they mark how various churches have regarded the holiday in times past). Many churches decorate themselves with the color red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. Some do special teaching or scripture reading in foreign languages, to commemorate the speaking in tongues. And many place a symbol of a dove prominently to remind Congregations to think of the Holy Spirit. The time between Ascension Sunday and Pentecost is often also marked with Fasting and Praying together, marking the time that the disciples waited patiently for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
DID YOU KNOW: What is "Pentecost"?
"DID YOU KNOW?" will be a summer series where we review issues of the Bible and the Christian faith of special interest. If you have a suggestion/question that you'd like addressed in a "DID YOU KNOW?" segment, please e-mail the coaches.
What is "Pentecost"?
You may or may not have noticed, but today is the traditional observation of the church holiday of Pentecost. Unlike Christmas or Easter or even Palm Sunday, it is not often noted in Protestant churches (except Pentecostal ones) but it is an important day both for Ancient Israel and for the Church.
Pentecost is literally Greek for "the Fiftieth Day" on the Hebrew calendar and is set aside in scripture as a day to remember the giving of the law and thank God for His gift of the first fruits of the harvest. It's called "The Feast of Weeks" or Shavuot. (Exodus 34:22)
But Pentecost is also the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, visible as tongues of fire. They spoke in other languages they did not previously know, and from that time on did miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-31).
There are many church traditions for Pentecost (none of which are scriptural, but they mark how various churches have regarded the holiday in times past). Many churches decorate themselves with the color red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. Some do special teaching or scripture reading in foreign languages, to commemorate the speaking in tongues. And many place a symbol of a dove prominently to remind Congregations to think of the Holy Spirit. The time between Ascension Sunday and Pentecost is often also marked with Fasting and Praying together, marking the time that the disciples waited patiently for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
What is "Pentecost"?
You may or may not have noticed, but today is the traditional observation of the church holiday of Pentecost. Unlike Christmas or Easter or even Palm Sunday, it is not often noted in Protestant churches (except Pentecostal ones) but it is an important day both for Ancient Israel and for the Church.
Pentecost is literally Greek for "the Fiftieth Day" on the Hebrew calendar and is set aside in scripture as a day to remember the giving of the law and thank God for His gift of the first fruits of the harvest. It's called "The Feast of Weeks" or Shavuot. (Exodus 34:22)
But Pentecost is also the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, visible as tongues of fire. They spoke in other languages they did not previously know, and from that time on did miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-31).
There are many church traditions for Pentecost (none of which are scriptural, but they mark how various churches have regarded the holiday in times past). Many churches decorate themselves with the color red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. Some do special teaching or scripture reading in foreign languages, to commemorate the speaking in tongues. And many place a symbol of a dove prominently to remind Congregations to think of the Holy Spirit. The time between Ascension Sunday and Pentecost is often also marked with Fasting and Praying together, marking the time that the disciples waited patiently for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
DID YOU KNOW: What is "Ascension Day"?
"DID YOU KNOW?" will be a summer series where we review issues of the Bible and the Christian faith of special interest. If you have a suggestion/question that you'd like addressed in a "DID YOU KNOW?" segment, please e-mail the coaches.
What is "Ascension Day" and why were some Christians celebrating on May 29?
The Bible is not generally very precise about the days on which things happened (with exceptions like Passover, Good Friday, and Easter.) But the Church has chosen dates on which to remember the significant events of church history, even if they're not Biblical. May 9th of this year was "Ascension Day" (or Analepsis by the Orthodox Churches) - the day to remember Jesus's ascension into heaven after his resurrection.
That being said, if you want to celebrate, some churches celebrate as late as June 3! Traditionally, it is commemorated by an All-Night Vigil (i.e. stay up late praying and singing hymns) followed by Communion, then various traditional actions like marking the boundaries of a church's influence, and then finally with a meal. Enjoy!
What is "Ascension Day" and why were some Christians celebrating on May 29?
The Bible is not generally very precise about the days on which things happened (with exceptions like Passover, Good Friday, and Easter.) But the Church has chosen dates on which to remember the significant events of church history, even if they're not Biblical. May 9th of this year was "Ascension Day" (or Analepsis by the Orthodox Churches) - the day to remember Jesus's ascension into heaven after his resurrection.
The Feast of the Ascension, also known as Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday (only by some denominations; not to be confused with Thursday of Holy Week), or Ascension Day, commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is one of the ecumenical feasts (i.e., universally celebrated) of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter, and Pentecost. In the Roman Catholic church it is also known as the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter (following the count given in Acts 1:3), although some Roman Catholic provinces have moved the observance to the following Sunday.So why didn't our church have a "feast" on this day? (I know some of you were feeling extra hungry!) Because many Protestant - and especially Evangelical - churches choose to only celebrate the major, Biblical, holidays. We go back only to the Bible.
That being said, if you want to celebrate, some churches celebrate as late as June 3! Traditionally, it is commemorated by an All-Night Vigil (i.e. stay up late praying and singing hymns) followed by Communion, then various traditional actions like marking the boundaries of a church's influence, and then finally with a meal. Enjoy!
Monday, May 20, 2013
DID YOU KNOW: What is "Pentecost"?
"DID YOU KNOW?" will be a summer series where we review issues of the Bible and the Christian faith of special interest. If you have a suggestion/question that you'd like addressed in a "DID YOU KNOW?" segment, please e-mail the coaches.
What is "Pentecost"?
You may or may not have noticed, but this past Sunday, May 19, is the traditional observation of the church holiday of Pentecost. Unlike Christmas or Easter or even Palm Sunday, it is not often noted in Protestant churches (except Pentecostal ones) but it is an important day both for Ancient Israel and for the Church.
Pentecost is literally Greek for "the Fiftieth Day" on the Hebrew calendar and is set aside in scripture as a day to remember the giving of the law and thank God for His gift of the first fruits of the harvest. It's called "The Feast of Weeks" or Shavuot. (Exodus 34:22)
But Pentecost is also the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, visible as tongues of fire. They spoke in other languages they did not previously know, and from that time on did miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-31).
There are many church traditions for Pentecost (none of which are scriptural, but they mark how various churches have regarded the holiday in times past). Many churches decorate themselves with the color red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. Some do special teaching or scripture reading in foreign languages, to commemorate the speaking in tongues. And many place a symbol of a dove prominently to remind Congregations to think of the Holy Spirit. The time between Ascension Sunday and Pentecost is often also marked with Fasting and Praying together, marking the time that the disciples waited patiently for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
What is "Pentecost"?
You may or may not have noticed, but this past Sunday, May 19, is the traditional observation of the church holiday of Pentecost. Unlike Christmas or Easter or even Palm Sunday, it is not often noted in Protestant churches (except Pentecostal ones) but it is an important day both for Ancient Israel and for the Church.
Pentecost is literally Greek for "the Fiftieth Day" on the Hebrew calendar and is set aside in scripture as a day to remember the giving of the law and thank God for His gift of the first fruits of the harvest. It's called "The Feast of Weeks" or Shavuot. (Exodus 34:22)
But Pentecost is also the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, visible as tongues of fire. They spoke in other languages they did not previously know, and from that time on did miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-31).
There are many church traditions for Pentecost (none of which are scriptural, but they mark how various churches have regarded the holiday in times past). Many churches decorate themselves with the color red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. Some do special teaching or scripture reading in foreign languages, to commemorate the speaking in tongues. And many place a symbol of a dove prominently to remind Congregations to think of the Holy Spirit. The time between Ascension Sunday and Pentecost is often also marked with Fasting and Praying together, marking the time that the disciples waited patiently for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, May 13, 2013
DID YOU KNOW: What is "Ascension Day"?
"DID YOU KNOW?" will be a summer series where we review issues of the Bible and the Christian faith of special interest. If you have a suggestion/question that you'd like addressed in a "DID YOU KNOW?" segment, please e-mail the coaches.
What is "Ascension Day" and why were some Christians celebrating on May 9?
The Bible is not generally very precise about the days on which things happened (with exceptions like Passover, Good Friday, and Easter.) But the Church has chosen dates on which to remember the significant events of church history, even if they're not Biblical. May 9th of this year was "Ascension Day" (or Analepsis by the Orthodox Churches) - the day to remember Jesus's ascension into heaven after his resurrection.
That being said, if you want to celebrate, some churches celebrate as late as June 3! Traditionally, it is commemorated by an All-Night Vigil (i.e. stay up late praying and singing hymns) followed by Communion, then various traditional actions like marking the boundaries of a church's influence, and then finally with a meal. Enjoy!
What is "Ascension Day" and why were some Christians celebrating on May 9?
The Bible is not generally very precise about the days on which things happened (with exceptions like Passover, Good Friday, and Easter.) But the Church has chosen dates on which to remember the significant events of church history, even if they're not Biblical. May 9th of this year was "Ascension Day" (or Analepsis by the Orthodox Churches) - the day to remember Jesus's ascension into heaven after his resurrection.
The Feast of the Ascension, also known as Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday (only by some denominations; not to be confused with Thursday of Holy Week), or Ascension Day, commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is one of the ecumenical feasts (i.e., universally celebrated) of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter, and Pentecost. In the Roman Catholic church it is also known as the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter (following the count given in Acts 1:3), although some Roman Catholic provinces have moved the observance to the following Sunday.So why didn't our church have a "feast" on this day? (I know some of you were feeling extra hungry!) Because many Protestant - and especially Evangelical - churches choose to only celebrate the major, Biblical, holidays. We go back only to the Bible.
That being said, if you want to celebrate, some churches celebrate as late as June 3! Traditionally, it is commemorated by an All-Night Vigil (i.e. stay up late praying and singing hymns) followed by Communion, then various traditional actions like marking the boundaries of a church's influence, and then finally with a meal. Enjoy!
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