Question 163: How Does the Church Calendar glorify Christ?

Answer:

The Church Calendar glorifies Christ by ordering our worship and life around the events of His incarnation, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, and reign. It keeps the Gospel before us year after year, helping us remember, proclaim, and respond to the saving work of Jesus. Through the seasons and feasts, we are drawn deeper into the mystery of Christ and conformed more fully to His image. (Luke 24:44–47, Romans 13:11–14, Colossians 3:1–4, 2 Timothy 2:8)

Full Scripture References

“He told them, ‘These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.’ Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’” — Luke 24:44–47 (BSB)

“And do this, knowing the time. It is already the hour for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” — Romans 13:11 (BSB)

“Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God… For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:1, 3 (BSB)

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel.” — 2 Timothy 2:8 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Church Calendar glorifies Christ by keeping His Gospel at the center of our worship and our year. Each season proclaims a different aspect of His saving work—His coming in Advent, His birth in Christmas, His manifestation in Epiphany, His suffering in Lent, His triumph in Easter, His reign in Ascension, His power in Pentecost, and His lordship throughout the rest of the year.

This calendar is not a distraction from Christ—it is a declaration of Christ. It lifts our eyes from the passing distractions of the world and anchors us in the eternal work of our Savior. Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “The Church Year tells the story of Jesus again and again until it becomes the story of His people. It’s not ritual for its own sake—it’s formation in Christ.”

Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) writes, “The liturgical year disciples us by patterning our lives on the life of Christ. It’s how the Church keeps Christ at the center—not just of our theology, but of our time.”

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer includes a full cycle of readings and collects that unfold the Gospel in harmony with the seasons. Each collect is designed to “set forth the glory of thy Son our Lord,” pointing worshipers back to Jesus again and again.

J.C. Ryle acknowledged that when used rightly, the calendar served to exalt Christ: “Holy days may be abused, but their proper use is to lead us to Him who is the center of all time and truth. Let them remind us of Christ—and let us never forget Him.” (Knots Untied, 1874)

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The Church Calendar is not about tradition—it’s about proclamation. It declares the mighty acts of God in Christ and trains the Church to rejoice, to repent, to remember, and to hope.”

In this way, the Church Calendar glorifies Christ not only in what we say, but in how we mark our days. Time itself becomes a servant of the Gospel.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–200 AD): “The Church throughout the world, keeping the rule of truth, proclaims Christ’s incarnation, passion, and resurrection in due time. In all seasons, Christ is proclaimed.” — Against Heresies, 1.10.2

St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD): “The Church glorifies Christ by recounting His mighty acts. Each feast, rightly kept, is a sermon on His grace and truth.” — Sermon 6, On the Nativity

St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD): “The Church praises Him not only in words but in time, remembering the mystery of the Word made flesh and the victory of His resurrection.” — Festal Letter 1

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “What is the liturgical year but Christ Himself—yesterday born, today crucified, forever reigning? Let us keep time in Him.” — Sermon 202