Lamm did a good job in post # 6.... (she tends to do that)
I think the various "seasons" are simply focuses..... ways to make sure all that needs focus gets it (things aren't overlooked) and things that need a LOT of focus (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost for example) get the appropriate focus. And each has their own traditions, hymns, symbols, Bible readings - all make for a coherent message/focus.
For ME, there's another benefit, as well. I LIKE the idea that generally, over 90% of Christians around the world are celebrating/focusing/learning the same thing - same Bible readings, same Sunday of the Church Year... yes, there are billions of individual Christians, there are millions of congregations, there are thousands of denominations.... we're worshiping in hundreds of different languages in hundreds of different cultures... but we ARE one body, one church, one family - with the same readings, same focus, same worship. I like that. I'm not saying some non-denom can't have it's own individual focus, readings, etc. - nothing forbids that - but being a part of the ECUMENICAL practice of liturgical worship is something I appreciate. On those rare Sundays when my parish does "it's own thing" (or example, we recently had 3 weeks of stewardship emphasis.... early next year we're having a 3 week emphasis on prayer) - when we go off and do our own thing - it's okay but I do feel the separation with the whole church and I'm glad to get back on tract.
- Josiah
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