The Liturgical Calendar defines the Church year, outlining a series of seasons and festive occasions that liturgical ceremonies observe throughout the year. Christians used this calendar as a guide, so they could properly celebrate the significant events in the life of Christ and the Church.
The liturgical year is divided into six seasons, each with its own theme and focus. Advent, which heralds the coming of Christ, begins the Church year, followed by Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. Lent is a time of penance and reflection, leading up to Holy Week, which culminates in the celebration of Easter, the most important feast of the Christian calendar. Ordinary Time follows Easter, with a focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church. The season of Advent then begins again, marking the end of one liturgical year and the beginning of another.
Throughout the year, the Liturgical Calendar also includes several important feasts and solemnities, such as the Feast of the Epiphany, the Transfiguration, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and All Saints’ Day. These celebrations allow the faithful to honor the lives of the saints and reflect on the significance of their contributions to the Church.
By following the Liturgical Calendar, Christians can participate in a rich tradition of liturgical worship that connects them to the history of the Church and the life of Christ. It provides a framework for the celebration of the mysteries of faith and ensures that Christian followers would never lose sight of the significance of these events in their lives.
The choice between blue and purple Advent vestments reflects diverse traditions. Blue, popular in Scandinavia and the British Isles (“Sarum blue”), symbolizes the night sky before dawn, echoing themes of hope and new beginnings tied to the Christmas narrative. While, purple vestments, symbolizing penitence, have distinct connotations. Historically derived from Mediterranean snails, purple’s expense symbolizes royalty.
June 24th marks the celebration of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Christ said, “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28 ESV
Lutherans and Roman Catholics celebrated the feast days of St. Philip and St. James the Apostles on May 1st and 3rd. Both church bodies agree on the importance of these Apostles. Philip was called by Jesus in Bethsaida and brought Nathanael to Christ, while St. James is traditionally believed to have been martyred. Ecclesiastical Sewing has introduced “The Apostle Collection” of church vestments, emphasizing these important figures in Christian history.
Red is the traditional color for Pentecost vestments, and among my favorite “red” options are fabrics like the St. Margaret Brocade, showcasing a bold pattern with a Tudor Rose and Crown. This liturgical brocade is available in solid red and two-toned variations, including the fiery red/gold option in the Fairford Brocade. Another excellent choice is the Red Lichfield Brocade, offering a rich hue perfect for Pentecost. Additionally, there’s the Luther Rose Brocade, Ely Crown, Silk Dupioni, and more in vibrant red tones.
The Evangelist stoles have been termed by some as a “teaching stole.” Pastors and Priests have used the stole symbols as a way to teach about the four Evangelists – St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. These symbols for the Evangelists date back centuries in their use to teach the faith.
Ecclesiastical Sewing has Quick Ship Items ready for Easter! These stole collections, like Ely and Exeter, are in stock and easy to ship for last-minute needs. With brilliant gold and classic designs, they’re great for quick gifts or replacements.
The New Testament readings are of the Transfiguration of our Lord. While Lutherans Celebrate this Festival Day on the last Sunday before Lent, other church bodies celebrate the Transfiguration at different times during the church year.
The church year is a pageant, a living connection to historic events, the communion of saints, and God’s promises. Symbols and seasons enrich our faith journey, bringing life to Christ’s unfolding story and inspiring us to be His follower in our time.
Dayspring is a Collection of Designs intended for use at both Christmas and Easter. Dayspring is a Messianic Prophecy that is fulfilled at the Resurrection. The Dayspring Church Vestment Collection incorporates the IHS Holy Monogram, the Chi Rho Symbols, Alpha and Omega, the Rising Sun, and the Glorious Cross. There are also Angels in adoration. The entire Ecclesiastical Sewing team is honored to have been a part of creating this new Dayspring Collection of Designs for use in your churches for the Christmas and Easter Seasons of the church year.
Blessed Christmas Everyone from Ecclesiastical Sewing Family
The symbol used for O Emmanuel is a manger with a flowering rose. The rose is a Messianic Rose. With great joy and anticipation, we join the prophet in singing, O Come, Emmanuel – come and save us, O Lord, our God. The collection of O Antiphon designs is a simple way to enhance a worship space. The banners may be hung from pillars as shown in the photo, or by some other way of your selection. The banners a simple to create for those who like to sew for their church.
O Oriens – O Dayspring Antiphon for December 21: The word Dayspring today is considered archaic, yet it is a word that is beautiful and poetic. The word is used in the King James translation of the Bible. It means the dawn of the morning or daybreak. The symbol for Dayspring is often a rising sun as it breaks the horizon a the dawn of a new day.
Keys are interesting things. They come in all kinds of sizes from small to large. They open things, close things, lock things up, start things and the list goes on. Keys are used in the Bible as a means to explain or illustrate different concepts. I am reminded of our Catechism study in preparation for Confirmation. We learned about the Office of the Keys.
O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the people; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you, the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
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