Curated topics for a disillusioned church
Books about the Christian liturgical calendar.
Most Christians are familiar with the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Lent while fewer are acquainted with Epiphany. In Epiphany - The Season of Glory Episcopal priest Fleming Rutledge simply, compellingly, and theologically explores the significance of the Epiphany season by highlighting and revering the divine glory of God before exploring the four themes of the season.
In many parts of the world it is effortless to get lost in the consumerism and busyness of Christmas. As a result, some people looking for deeper meaning cynically reject the celebration of Christmas. In Christmas: The Season of Life and Light Anglican priest Emily Hunter McGowin says not so fast as she frames Christmas within the church's liturgical calendar while celebrating and exploring ways the holiday's traditions such as gift-giving and decorations can point us towards the story of Jesus.
From chocolate to Lego and everything in between Advent calendars begin filling store shelves come November. This often consumeristic celebration of Advent divorced from its 4th-century roots neglects the heavier themes of waiting, hope, darkness, light, repentance, rest, emptiness, and filling. In a world that equates December with yuletide debauchery and commercial frenzy, Tish Harrison Warren masterfully reclaims Advent as a season not of escapism, but of honest reflection and holy longing. This is no glittering holiday self-help book; it’s a profound invitation to slow down, repent, and live in the aching beauty of the "now and not yet."
Is Pentecost about spiritual gifts and power? Or is it about unity? Perhaps it is the birth of the church? Pentecost, which means fifty days, is all of those things and more. In Pentecost - A Day of Power for All People bishop of the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches Emilio Alvarez details the themes, rituals, prayers, and hymns from a variety of denominations of this often misunderstood day on the church calendar.
Important liturgical seasons, especially if you were not brought up in a liturgical church, such as Lent can be intimidating. Where do I start? How do I honor the season? What if I do it wrong? These questions, and many others, can prevent those with the best of intentions from engaging with the season. That is where Lent: The Season of Repentance and Renewal by Esau McCaulley comes into play. In a short, accessible 112 pages McCaulley demystifies, explains, and examines the traditions, the prayers, the rituals, and the Scriptures of the Lenten season.
Sunday to Saturday 
You must be logged in to post a comment.