The time between now, the end of Christmastide, and February 22, the beginning of Eastertide, feels like no-man's land. Do we use green or violet for the family altar? The God-revealing themes of Advent-Christmas-Epiphany and God-redeeming themes of Lent-Easter-Pentecost are so clear. What do we focus on in February?
For guidance, check out Pr. Peperkorn's site, HistoricLectionary.com. Specifically check out this bulletin insert. Based on the Sunday readings, "These three Sundays before Lent constitute catechesis in the Grace of God in which that grace is examined from three perspectives." Grace is undeserved and completely due to God's goodness (Parable of the Good Landowner); Grace is passively received (Parable of the Sower); and Grace is not easily understood (Apostles not understanding Jesus's purpose--to die).
Our church does not use the historic 1-year lectionary, but I still think focusing on grace the next few weeks will be a wonderful bridge between Christmas and Easter. We will memorize Ephesians 2:8-10, talk about the parables and read relevant passages from the large and small catechisms.
(Poke around that website. There are some great resource links at the bottom.)
Also, once you get your family altar set up for Lent, email me a picture and I'll post them after Ash Wednesday.
Interesting, I'd never heard of the Gesima season, thanks for the bulletin! I wasn't sure what to do either, still have white from Candlemas on our altar and just thought I'd leave that. We've been learning about Christ's miracles throughout Epiphany but I'll read this bulletin and maybe go in a different direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katy!
Aubri, I don't think there is any one "correct" thing to study in the time between Epiphany and Lent, at home. This is just an idea to "fill the time." Going through the miracles sounds great! I have also considered just taking a break on the crafts and activities...or focusing on love (maybe next year!)
ReplyDeleteI thought the information about the "Gesima Sundays" was interesting, though.