Dear Christian Friends:
A new church-year is upon us. The 27 long weeks of green have finally come to an end, and we can now pull out the beautiful blue colors as we reflect upon the season of Advent. Because of this, it is only fitting that we take a moment to understand the way our church year is broken up. It is rather simple, yet intentional and has been practiced for thousands of years.
Semester Domini: In Latin, “Semester” literally means 6 months. Thus, the “Semester Domini” is 6 months of The Lord (Domini), which is the focus of the first 6 months of the church year. It begins in Advent and ends with Christ’s Ascension. This, of course, is not to say that the entire church year doesn’t center around Christ; however, the holidays and seasons of these 6 months focus on the life of Christ. They begin with the Advent (anticipation), to the 12-day celebration of His birth (starting… not ending… on December 25th). Then we move into Epiphany and the Transfiguration. Lent is next, as we reflect upon Christ’s ministry and His path to the cross. After this we proceed to the season of Easter which culminates in Ascension Day, which is typically celebrated on the Seventh (and last) Sunday of Easter.
Semester Ecclesia: The celebration of Pentecost begins the next 6 months of the church year, which is literally “6 months of the Church (Ecclesia)”. During this time, our lectionary takes us through a few of the epistles from cover-to-cover and emphasizes what it looks like to live as the church. During this time, we also get to enjoy a few breaks from the green paraments when we celebrate Reformation Day and All Saint’s Day. Compare these two holidays to those found during the Semester Domini. Notice how they are focused on the lives of Christians (i.e. the church) rather than events from the life of Christ.
As Pastor Hartwig regularly discusses, it is essential that we know what we are doing and why we are doing it. The Church year is a very thoroughly planned out structure that has been in place for thousands of years. This intentionality allows us to receive the full council of Christ’s Body (that is the church) and grow and learn together as His people.
It is my prayer that, as you enter into this time of reflection, you enjoy the beauty and excitement that comes along with the Christmas season. What a blessing it is to live in a time where we can so joyfully and publicly announce God’s greatest gift to the world, His Son, who brings with Him forgiveness of sins, salvation, and life everlasting. Remember, although the sun may be absent for most of the month of December, the Son is certainly present with us as we celebrate His birth! May His peace be upon you in this season.
In the love of Christ, Vicar Simmons