As we enter this season of celebration, our hearts are filled with anticipation and joy. However God is prompting you—to worship, give, donate, volunteer, or serve—we’re thankful to be encountering Jesus together with you.
Christmas Is a Season, Not Just a Day
For many people, Christmas ends on December 25. Decorations come down, music fades, and life quickly returns to normal. But in the historic Christian tradition, Christmas is not a moment—it’s a season.
The Church Calendar helps tell the full story of Jesus’ life and mission, guiding us through rhythms of celebration, reflection, and everyday faith. It invites us not only to remember Christ, but to live in His grace together over time.
The Church Calendar helps tell the full story of Jesus’ life and mission, guiding us through rhythms of celebration, reflection, and everyday faith. It invites us not only to remember Christ, but to live in His grace together over time.
The Story the Church Calendar Tells
The Christian year follows the life of Jesus—from His birth, to His ministry, to His death and resurrection, and into the ongoing life of the Church. Nearly half of the calendar is devoted not to major holidays, but to learning how to live faithfully in light of who Christ is and what He has done.
Here’s how the season following Christmas unfolds:
Here’s how the season following Christmas unfolds:
Christmas (December 25 – Early January)
God With Us
Christmas celebrates the miracle of the Incarnation: God entering the world in Jesus Christ. The Christmas season continues beyond December 25, giving space to dwell in wonder, joy, and gratitude for Emmanuel—God with us.
Christmas celebrates the miracle of the Incarnation: God entering the world in Jesus Christ. The Christmas season continues beyond December 25, giving space to dwell in wonder, joy, and gratitude for Emmanuel—God with us.
Epiphany (Early January)
God Revealed to the World
Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus to all people. Traditionally associated with the visit of the Magi, this season reminds us that Jesus is not only for a select few, but for the nations, the outsider, and the searching.
During Epiphany, the Church reflects on moments when Christ’s identity becomes clear—through His baptism, His teachings, and His early ministry. It is a season of light, calling, and discovery.
Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus to all people. Traditionally associated with the visit of the Magi, this season reminds us that Jesus is not only for a select few, but for the nations, the outsider, and the searching.
During Epiphany, the Church reflects on moments when Christ’s identity becomes clear—through His baptism, His teachings, and His early ministry. It is a season of light, calling, and discovery.
Time After Epiphany (Often Part of “Ordinary Time”)
Learning to Walk With Jesus
After Epiphany, the Church enters a longer, quieter stretch sometimes called Ordinary Time. The word “ordinary” doesn’t mean unimportant—it comes from the idea of ordered or numbered time.
This season focuses on Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and everyday ministry. It asks practical questions:
This is where much of Christian life actually happens—not in the mountaintop moments, but in steady faithfulness.
After Epiphany, the Church enters a longer, quieter stretch sometimes called Ordinary Time. The word “ordinary” doesn’t mean unimportant—it comes from the idea of ordered or numbered time.
This season focuses on Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and everyday ministry. It asks practical questions:
This is where much of Christian life actually happens—not in the mountaintop moments, but in steady faithfulness.
Living in Grace Together
One way to understand the Church Calendar is this:
One way to understand the Church Calendar is this:
- Half the year proclaims who Christ is and what He has done.
- Half the year teaches us how to live in His grace together.
Why This Matters
The Church Calendar offers a counter-rhythm to our fast, disposable culture. It invites us to:
The Church Calendar offers a counter-rhythm to our fast, disposable culture. It invites us to:
- Stay with the story longer
- Let truth sink in gradually
- Practice faith as a community, year after year