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Some denominations follow the liturgical year close, others losely, and some not at all. Looking at the Enduring Grace Church Year journals, I can see the value of recognizing the liturgical year simply for the fact that it draws the reader to pin-pointed Bible study and observances. As a Baptist we did not truly observe the liturgical year though we observed major events such as Christmas (birth of our Savior), Easter or Resurrection Day (day our Lord and Savior arose from the grave). Perhaps it would behoove us to focus on other events in the Bible on specific days or weeks.
Here is a bit more about the liturgical year:
From earliest times the Church has gathered on Sundays to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time an annual cycle of Christian memory-making has also developed, which allows us to remember his life, death, and resurrection; to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit; and to recall the ministry of the holy people who have spread the Christian faith over the centuries.
Through the structuring of our Christian memory, the past is able to come into our present.
The liturgical or Church year is divided into several seasons. It begins with Advent, which looks forward to Christmas. The visit of the wise men to Jesus is remembered at Epiphany, after which there is a period of ‘ordinary time’. The six weeks of Lent prepare us for Easter, which celebrates Jesus’s resurrection, leading forward to his Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost. ‘Ordinary time’ then resumes until the end of the year.
On reflection....
When I opened the beautifully bound adult's edition of the Enduring Grace Church Year Journal I was immediately impacted with the richness of the material. The first section, "Advent," opened with a beautiful hymn-carol and short explanation of its history that revealed the depth of its Biblical meaning. A short reading from the Old Testament, an Epistle, a Gospel reading, and a Psalm. These are short readings but embrace full Scripture. This is followed by a "Collect" which I perceive as a short prayer impeaching the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The reader is then able to record short thoughts on his reflection of the day's readings.
This is continued through the year of Sundays.
The same pattern is followed in the Children's Enduring Grace Church Year Journal. Noticeably shortened readings but following the same format. The children's version has illustrations to be colored and space the child can record his own reflections.
The two journal lectionaries may be used together as in a family setting or separately. While these provide beautifully collected Scriptures that reflect on specific portions of the Story of Christ, and while these truly enhance the Christian's life, they are not indepth Biblical studies. These are weekly readings reflecting on major events in the life of Christ and the Church. Beautifully done and a joy to read.
The Enduring Grace Church Year Journal directs the reader to the beauty and dignity of God's Word. So much of this beauty and dignity has been lost in the worship in the church of today. That is not to say that individuals in today's church families are not true believers, it is simply stating that much of the beauty and dignity of worship has been lost and with that loss is a loss of reverence for the Holiness of God and His Word.
Where to Purchase:
ADULT JOURNAL -- https://bit.ly/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journaladult
CHILD JOURNAL -- https://bit.ly/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-for-kids
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each of these books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
