Seasons in the Cycle of Life

            This week begins the season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Much like life in general, the Church goes through seasons and cycles on a regular, consistent basis. In our own lives, we experience seasons of life from birth to death. Each one has a profound impact on how we live and what we accomplish.

            Nature too goes through seasons and each of us knows that one leads to another without fail. After all, God instituted them in creation: “And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14 - ESV) While we experience winter every year, it only lasts for three months. Good news for those of us who hate the cold! We know spring is right on winters heel and none too soon. We never doubt that spring will come. In fact, for people like me, we look forward to it. We have confidence that the cycles of the seasons will proceed uninterrupted.

            The Church has a calendar with specific seasons appointed for particular purposes. To avoid or ignore the rhythms of these seasons leads to a disjointed spiritual life. Because, like the seasons in nature, we have confidence that each will follow the pattern uninterrupted. To sit through a sermon series and have Easter pop-up and then disappear into the ether the week after Easter removes the enormous significance of the celebration of the resurrection. Not to recognize the Holy Week remembrances of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday dismisses the pattern God set for us to arrive at Easter Sunday prepared. 

            Lent is an extended time of preparation for Easter which lasts 40 days. It begins on Ash Wednesday and encompasses the six and a half weeks prior to Easter. It is a season to make ourselves ready for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But, it is also a season to nail to the cross those things in our lives that hinder and block our relationship with God. I am surprised by so many faith traditions that take no notice of Holy Week and the implication of its events, much less participating in the whole season of Lent. 

            Or, take the season of Advent with its two-fold meaning: looking back to the baby in the manger meek and mild, and looking forward to his return as the triumphal and conquering King and preparing for that return. When a baby is born it doesn’t just pop out and say, “Surprise! I’m here!” There is a nine-month gestation period. That is a time for the baby to develop and grow and become ready to live in the big bad world outside mommy’s tummy. It is also a time of preparation for the parents as they get ready for the arrival of the new bundle of joy. They must get the crib and diapers, paint the baby’s room, get a whole wardrobe for every weather condition. There is a lot to do. And, after the baby arrives, things are never the same for either the baby or the parents. 

            This is the purpose of the seasons of the Church: to prepare us for the transformations in ourselves that will develop us more into the likeness of Christ. This cannot be achieved overnight. It will, in fact, take a lifetime. Every aspect of each season has a purpose and a function. To jettison this quality of the Christian faith is to diminish all that God has in store for us; all that he is readying us for.

            In the near future, Disney will be releasing a remake of “The Lion King”. One of my favorite songs from the original animated version is the “Circle of Life.” This song could just as easily have been called the “Cycles of Life.” We encounter them whether we want to admit it or not. Why not make the most of each cycle – each season – and use it appropriately, productively – for its desired purpose.

            The Christian life is not just about setting apart two days a year. It is about a pattern; a rhythm; a cadence on our journey to sanctification and holiness. It is about penitence and celebration. It is about what Jesus has accomplished and endured for us. It is about a life lived to the fullest because we are engaged in becoming all that God created us to be. Don’t be afraid to join in. The cycles and seasons in the Church calendar are there for your benefit. Try them and you will be better prepared to love and serve our Savior. And, there is not time like the present as Advent is upon us. Enjoy and be blessed! Merry Advent!