“Faith Facts” is a series of short write-ups (approximately 350 words) that can be used in church bulletins or as brief explainers during Christian worship.
Download: Bulletin insert (5.5″x8.5″).
Faith Facts
There are (at least) seven major Christian feasts in the church calendar.
The early Church followed God’s example in the Old Testament by establishing “feasts” to remember and celebrate his wonderful works. Nearly all Christians observe at least three of the historic Christian feasts: (1) Christmas, the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord; (2) Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord; and (3) Pentecost, which marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At least four more days are considered major or “principal” feasts by the Church of England and most traditionally-minded Christians.
(4) The Feast of the Epiphany (“manifestation”), always January 6, is one of the oldest and most significant Christian feasts, going back to at least the fourth century. It focuses on how God’s glory was manifested in the earthly life of Jesus, especially through the coming of the Magi, the baptism of Christ, and the wedding at Cana.
(5) The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the 40th day of the Easter season, also goes back to at least the fourth century. It marks Christ being “taken up in glory” (1 Tim. 3:16), a central point of the apostolic preaching which is much neglected in parts of the Church today and deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
(6) Trinity Sunday is the Sunday after Pentecost. After celebrating the gospel of God from Christmas to Pentecost (the Father’s sending of the Son and the Holy Spirit), the Church focuses on God of the gospel (who is eternally Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
(7) Finally, All Saints’ Day, always November 1, celebrates the communion of saints who make up the Church of the Triune God. It is a day to remember all the faithful, known and unknown, especially those who do not have a special day of their own.
Year after year, these days call us back to central truths that might otherwise be neglected, and challenge us to go deeper in the gospel.
