Christian Religious Celebrations

• Christian festivals are celebrated throughout the Church year (liturgical year), which begins with Advent and goes through Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost to Trinity
• Advent

  ❖ The first season of the Church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four Sundays before Christmas. Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus during the season of Advent.

  ❖ Usually a candle is lit on the Advent wreath Advent wreath each Sunday in Advent and a fifth candle to represent Jesus, the Light of the World, on Christmas Day.

  ❖ Many churches hold services such as ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’, which intersperses Christmas carols with readings from the Bible which tell the story of salvation, starting with the Fall of Adam and Eve, the promise of the Messiah and ending with the birth of Christ.

  ❖ Catholic Christians are expected to free themselves from sin before Christmas by receiving the sacrament of reconciliation.
• Christmas

  ❖ Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus when Christians believe God chose to be born as a human being. The incarnation made it possible for God to begin the work of salvation which culminated with Jesus’ death and the forgiveness of sins.

  ❖ In many Anglican (Church of England) and Catholic churches, a special service known as Midnight Mass is held at midnight on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of Christ into the world. Candles are lit, carols are sung and Eucharist is celebrated.

  ❖ There are joyful services on the morning of Christmas Day in which the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus are read and Christmas carols are sung. Families will often attend this service together and the Eucharist will usually be shared.

  ❖ Gifts are exchanged to remember the gifts given to Jesus by the wise men and as a reminder of God’s love in giving his only son to save humanity from sin.
• What is Holy Week?

  The week leading up to Easter
• Why do Christians remember Holy Week?

  To recall the last week of Jesus's life
• What is celebrated on Palm Sunday?

  • Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey
  • Worshippers receive small palm crosses
• What does Maundy Thursday commemorate?

  The Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples
• What do churches do on Maundy Thursday to remember the Last Supper?

  Celebrate Eucharist and wash feet
• What is remembered on Good Friday?

  • The crucifixion of Jesus
  • The most solemn day of the liturgical year
  • Serious reflection and removal of decorations
• Why is Good Friday considered solemn?

  It recalls Jesus' death on the cross
• What do Christians believe about Jesus' death on the cross?

  It reconciles humans with God for eternal life
• What does John 3:16 say about God's love?

  God gave his Son for eternal life
• What is celebrated on Easter Sunday?

  • The resurrection of Jesus
  • Victory over sin and death
  • Joyful celebration with flowers and candles
• What is the focus of the Easter service?

  The discovery of the empty tomb
• What do Christians celebrate on Easter regarding their sins?

  They believe their sins are forgiven
• What hope do Christians have on Easter Sunday?

  Hope for eternal life in heaven with God