allsaintsjonesboro liturgical year

Octave of the Epiphany

Francesco Francia (1450-1517) – The Baptism of Christ

The Octave of the Epiphany traditionally draws the Church’s attention to the Baptism of Our Lord, in which Christ is revealed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the Gospel appointed for this day (John 1:29–34), John the Baptist bears witness to Jesus, proclaiming Him as the promised Messiah and testifying to the descent of the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, Christ enters the waters not to be cleansed, but to sanctify them, revealing His mission to bear sin and bring salvation to all nations.

The Octave of the Epiphany invites reflection on Christ revealed in humility and obedience, standing in the place of sinners. As John points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, we are directed to trust in the One upon whom the Spirit rests. May this feast strengthen our confidence in Christ’s saving work and renew our joy in the promises given to us through Him (John 1:33–34)

allsaintsjonesboro liturgical year

The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Epiphany celebrates Christ’s revelation to the Gentiles, most vividly shown in the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). Guided by a star, they traveled from the East to worship the newborn King, offering gifts that confessed His kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. This feast proclaims the fulfillment of God’s promise that salvation would extend to all nations through the Messiah (Isaiah 49:6).

The Epiphany rejoices in Christ revealed as the Light of the world. May this feast draw us to worship Him with gladness and strengthen our faith in the Savior who gathers people from every nation into His kingdom (John 8:12).

allsaintsjonesboro liturgical year

Vigil of the Epiphany

The Vigil of the Epiphany prepares the Church to celebrate Christ’s manifestation to the nations. Drawing on Old Testament prophecy, especially Isaiah’s vision of light dawning upon the Gentiles, this vigil anticipates the revelation of the Messiah to all peoples (Isaiah 60:1–3). The Church keeps watch in joyful expectation of Christ’s appearing as the Savior of the world.

This vigil invites attentive waiting and reflection. As we prepare to celebrate Christ revealed to the nations, may our hearts be ready to receive Him in faith and to rejoice in the light that shines in the darkness (Matthew 2:1–2).

allsaintsjonesboro liturgical year

The Circumcision of Our Lord

The Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus celebrates the eighth day after our Lord’s birth, when—according to the Law given to Israel—He was circumcised and formally given the name “Jesus,” meaning “The LORD saves” (Luke 2:21). This event reveals both His true humanity and His obedience under the Law for our redemption. It is the first shedding of His blood, already pointing toward the cross. The divine Name bestowed upon Him is the Name in which salvation is found, the Name before which every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:9–11). This feast anchors the Church’s new year in Christ’s saving work.

In the Circumcision of Jesus we behold the Savior taking His place under the Law to redeem those bound by it. His holy Name, spoken over us in Baptism, marks us as God’s own. Here we remember not a saint but the Lord Himself, who is our righteousness. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ still places His saving Name upon His people, uniting us with believers of every age in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

allsaintsjonesboro liturgical year

Ember Days in Advent — A Christian Discipline of Prayer, Penitence, and Thanksgiving

Advent is a season of watchful waiting and joyful expectation, as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the Incarnation at Bethlehem and in His promised return at the end of all things. Traditionally, the Western Church set aside special periods during the year — called Ember Days — as times of focused prayer, fasting, and reflection, integral to the Church’s rhythm of sanctification and renewal.

At All Saints Parish, we observe Ember Wednesday with evening Divine Service at 6:30 pm and Ember Friday with Latin Matins at 8:15 am. These observances echo an ancient Christian practice while pointing our hearts more fully to Christ in Advent, grounding our souls in repentance, anticipation, and gratitude.

What Are Ember Days?

The name “Ember Days” comes from the Latin quattuor tempora, meaning “four times”: four seasonal sets of Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday appointed in the Christian year. One of these sets occurs in Advent, usually following the third Sunday of Advent (often tied to St. Lucy’s feast) and before Christmas. Traditionally they were observed with prayer and fasting.  

These days were part of a rhythm that tied the Church’s life to the natural seasons and to the spiritual seasons of repentance and thanksgiving — echoing the ancient patterns of Israel’s fasts and feasts.  

The Purpose of Ember Days

Originally the Church appointed Ember days for several interrelated reasons:

1. To Focus the Church on Prayer and Recollection

Ember Days provide intentional moments to pause from worldly busyness and bring our hearts before God. The Wednesday of Ember week was traditionally seen as a day of interior recollection and devotion.  

2. To Turn to God in Repentance and Renewal

Friday has always been a penitential day in Christian practice, recalling Christ’s suffering for our salvation. In Advent Ember observance, such penitential emphasis helps us watch and pray more earnestly as we await Christ’s coming.  

3. To Give Thanks for God’s Gifts and Grace

Saturday in Ember tradition was especially associated with thanksgiving — for the harvest of spiritual fruit and for divine blessings yet to come.  

4. To Pray for the Church, Vocations, and the Kingdom’s Growth

Historically, Ember Days were also days when the Church prayed for holy orders and for those to be ordained, as well as for all Christians in their vocations (including laity). As we anticipate the arrival of Christ, this is the perfect time to pray for faithful pastors, teachers, and bishops, and for the Holy Spirit’s work in our midst.  

Why Observe Ember Days in Advent at All Saints?

Ember Days are a beautiful and focused time which enrich Advent in a way that focuses our hearts and minds clearly on the arrival of the King:

• They Point Us to Christ, Not to Ritual Obligation

Lutherans hold that all rites and traditions must serve the Gospel: they must draw us to Christ and His Word rather than become merits in themselves. Observing Ember Days as times of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving serves this Gospel by turning us outside ourselves and to the provision of God in Christ.

• They Strengthen Our Life of Prayer and Repentance

Advent is already penitential and expectant: a time for examining our lives before the one who comes to judge the living and the dead. Incorporating additional prayer and self-denial on Ember Wednesday and Ember Friday helps shape Christians into watchful disciples.

• They Connect Us With the Ancient Church’s Spiritual Rhythm

The pattern of quarterly spiritual disciplines has served Christians for centuries across the Western Church. Recognizing this rhythm places us in continuity with the saints who have gone before — saints who confessed the same Christ we preach.

Practical Ways to Observe Ember Days at All Saints

Even beyond our corporate services, here are ways individuals and families might embrace the spirit of Advent Ember Days:

  • Prepare for each day with prayer: Use the daily Office or Psalms to focus your mind on Christ’s incarnation and return.
  • Fasting as a spiritual discipline: Consider abstaining from a meal or favorite food, offering the sacrifice in prayer for spiritual renewal.
  • Confession and reflection: Set aside time for private confession or examination of conscience, returning to the Lord by His mercy.
  • Thanksgiving: Reflect on God’s gifts — especially the gifts of salvation in Christ and the promised life to come — and give thanks.

Conclusion: An Advent of Watchful Hearts

Ember Days in Advent — especially as we gather for Ember Wednesday Divine Service and Ember Friday Matins at All Saints — invite us deeper into Advent’s heart: watching, waiting, praying, and turning wholly to Christ. They remind us that the Christian life is not merely a succession of Sundays, but a journey of repentance, humility, and joyful anticipation before the coming of our King.

May our observance of these days draw us nearer to Christ and strengthen us for faithful life and witness in His holy name. Amen.