There are numerous methods by which we mark the passage of time in the Episcopal Church. This includes observing the lunar cycle, the progression of seasons, and the division of time into days, weeks, months, and years. Time is also measured through our church calendar and the liturgical year – what we call our “Seasons of Grace.”

These seasons play a significant role in shaping our central acts of worship and fellowship, representing our devotion to God. They also stand as the central expression of our faith community. By following the church calendar and recognizing liturgical seasons, we maintain a continual focus on God’s narrative at the heart of our shared life in community.  

Our church year begins anew each year with the season of Advent. The seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany are sometimes referred to as the Incarnation Cycle, running from late November or early December to around the second month of the calendar year. Advent marks the beginning of our church year. Advent focuses on preparing for the coming of Christ. Our liturgy takes a quieter turn, and we use an Advent Wreath in our churches and in our homes to mark the weeks.

Christmas celebrates the incarnation of God in the birth of Jesus. Christmas has the distinction of being both a day and a season. While the secular world starts celebrating Christmas weeks, if not months before December 25^th, Christmas Day is actually the beginning of the Christmas Season! In the Christmas season, we celebrate our Emmanuel – which means “God with us.” Our Emmanuel is the love of God made visible and concrete, incarnate, revealing the extraordinary love that God has for all of God’s people.

Epiphany, always on January 6, is also a day and a season, known as the Sundays after the Epiphany. We often refer to Epiphany as the season of light, where God shows us who God is through the revealing acts of love disclosed in the person of Jesus. The season after Epiphany carries us through to the last Sunday of the Epiphany before Ash Wednesday.

The Paschal Cycle, a Greek term derived from the Hebrew word for “Passover,” consists of Lent, Easter (a Day and a season), and Pentecost, which marks the end of the Easter season. The conclusion of Epiphany and the start of Lent depend on the date of Easter, a movable feast.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when the Church invites us to observe a holy Lent through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, self-denial, and reflection on God’s Word. Our observance of Ash Wednesday includes liturgy with Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.

The Season of Lent encourages self-reflection and prioritizing our relationship with God, answering the invitation to a holy Lent, remembering that with true repentance and amendment of life we may experience the joy of Christ.