Communion With the Christ:: An Explanation of the Liturgical Calendar Used by the Topinabee Community Church

Introduction

The Topinabee Community Church (TCC), as an interdenominational body, follows a liturgical calendar widely recognized across many Christian traditions. This approach reflects the diverse backgrounds of its members, who come from traditions such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Reformed, Episcopal, Congregational, Lutheran, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and others.

Beyond honoring various denominational influences, TCC’s use of the historic liturgical calendar serves as a continual reminder of its connection to the larger Christian tradition—one that spans centuries and unites believers across generations. Though unaffiliated with a specific denomination, TCC remains part of the living organism of the Christian Church, bound together through faith in Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Structure of the Liturgical Calendar

The liturgical calendar at TCC operates on a three-year cycle:

Year A
Year B
Year C

Each year presents a thematic focus guiding worship and preaching. Within this cycle, two primary liturgical seasons shape the rhythm of observances:

The Advent-Nativity Cycle – Reflecting on Christ’s birth
The Lenten-Paschal/Easter Cycle – Commemorating His death and resurrection

Origins and Significance of the Liturgical Calendar

Many ask: How did the liturgical calendar come into existence? Why should it be followed? These are valid questions that deserve reflection.

While the New Testament does not provide direct instructions for structuring Christian worship, Jesus and St. Paul offer guiding principles rather than rigid prescriptions.

In John 4:16–30, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that worship is no longer confined to specific locations or Old Covenant rituals. Instead, true worship occurs “in Spirit and in truth.”

In 1 Corinthians 14:40, St. Paul emphasizes orderly gatherings without prescribing particular liturgical observances. However, he does stress the importance of approaching the Lord’s Supper reverently.

A Biblical Clue to Christian Liturgy

Although the New Testament lacks specific liturgical instructions, one important clue emerges in the accounts of the Upper Room (Matthew 26:26–30, Mark 14:22–26, Luke 22:14–38).

Many ask: Where does Jesus inaugurate a new liturgical calendar in these verses?

Understanding this requires recognizing how biblical writers often used shorthand references to convey broader teachings.

For example:

On the cross, Jesus cries, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1). This is not merely a cry of despair—it points to the entire Psalm, which ultimately declares victory rather than defeat.
Similarly, Jesus transforms Passover, shifting its meaning from Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt to God’s salvation through Him.

This shift in focus—from Israel to Christ—marks the foundation of the Christian liturgical cycle. His life, death, and resurrection become the central themes replacing the Old Covenant’s structure.

The Old vs. New Covenant Liturgical Cycles

The Old Covenant followed a structured liturgical cycle, with annual observances centered on spring and autumn. Israel observed seven holy days, plus weekly Sabbaths and new moon celebrations.

The Holy Days of the Old Covenant

Spring Cycle:

Passover – Commemorating Egypt’s firstborn’s death and Israel’s deliverance
Days of Unleavened Bread – Remembering Israel’s hurried departure
Feast of First Fruits – Marking the giving of the Law at Sinai

Autumn Cycle:

Feast of Trumpets – Signaling movement during Israel’s wilderness journey
Day of Atonement – High priest entering the Holy of Holies for Israel’s atonement
Feast of Tabernacles – Commemorating Israel’s temporary dwellings in the wilderness
The Last Great Day – Symbolizing Israel’s reliance on water in the wilderness

Similarly, the Christian liturgical calendar was developed to guide communal worship, helping believers reflect on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection through seasonal observances.

The Purpose of the Liturgical Calendar

Jesus taught that worshipers of the Father are led by the Spirit. Since Christ fully reveals God to humanity, everything we need to understand about God’s nature is found in Him (John 14:9, Colossians 2:9).

As we journey through the liturgical cycle, worship becomes more than a remembrance of the past—it is a continual revelation of God Himself.

Ultimately, God’s purpose is to bring humanity into the eternal community of love shared within Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through Christ, we are welcomed into this divine fellowship—and as we worship through the liturgical calendar, God deepens our understanding of His love, presence, and salvation.

The Liturgical Year Begins

The liturgical year begins in late autumn, during the bleakness of the season—a symbolic moment of hope emerging from the struggles of the present world.

Advent: The Beginning of Hope

Advent, meaning “Coming,” follows a progressive retrogression—starting with the future, moving into the present, and leading into the past. This reminds us that beyond life’s difficulties, hope remains, both for individuals and for humanity as a whole. This belief is affirmed in the ancient creeds of Christianity.

The Four Sundays of Advent

First Sunday of Advent – Focuses on Christ’s future return, when He will come in glory, ruling with justice as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Second Sunday of Advent – Centers on the hope we experience each day, as Jesus comes to us through Scripture, prayer, and the gospel. As John Calvin wrote, “Christ comes to us clothed in His own Gospel.”
Third Sunday of Advent – Calls believers to mirror John the Baptist, who pointed to Christ as “the hope of Israel”—a reminder that, even in uncertainty, God remains faithful.
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Shifts focus to Bethlehem, where God chose the humblest setting to reveal Himself to humanity.

Christmas: The Nativity

The prophet Amos declared: “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).

Yet God did not arrive in splendor, heralded by rulers. He came as a newborn, in a stable among livestock and shepherds—disenfranchised individuals ignored by society.

In this moment, the incarnation is revealed—Jesus came in the weakest human form, yet remained fully divine.

Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ

Observed on January 6th in many traditions, Epiphany at TCC is celebrated on the nearest Sunday.

This season focuses on three events in Jesus’ life, each unveiling who He truly is:

The Coming of the Magi – Though their journey led them to Jesus about two years after His birth, their visit became part of the Nativity story. Their gifts symbolized:

Gold – Jesus as King, the rightful heir to David’s throne.
Frankincense – His role as High Priest, interceding for humanity.
Myrrh – Used for embalming, pointing to His coming sacrifice.

The Baptism of the Lord – Jesus is baptized, marking His public ministry. The Trinity is revealed as the Father speaks, the Spirit descends, and Jesus is proclaimed the Lamb of God.
The Wedding at Cana – Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine, illustrating that He brings new life and calls people away from legalism into grace.

The Presentation of the Lord

Forty days after Christmas, Jesus is presented at the Temple—not only as Mary and Joseph’s firstborn, but as the Firstborn of all humanity, through whom salvation comes.

At this moment, Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the Messiah, reminding us that every church service presents Christ anew—as our Savior and God’s presence among us.

Transfiguration Sunday

On Transfiguration Sunday, Jesus ascends the mountain, and His divine nature is revealed. The Father’s voice echoes: “This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This moment foreshadows the ultimate confirmation of Christ’s identity—His resurrection at Easter.

The Lenten Season: Preparation for Easter

The word Lent comes from an old term meaning “spring”. Originally, Lent was a season of baptismal preparation for new believers in the early Church.

Since Easter baptisms became tradition, Lent evolved into a time of deep reflection and preparation—centered on encountering Jesus at Easter.

Holy Week: The Journey to the Cross

At TCC, Lent concludes on Palm-Passion Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week.

Palm-Passion Sunday

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, while Passion Sunday shifts focus to His journey to the cross—leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.

The Holy Week Triduum (Three Sacred Days)

Holy Week culminates in the Triduum, the powerful sequence leading to Easter:

Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) – Jesus’ Upper Room discourse, including the act of washing His disciples’ feet, a powerful symbol of humility and service.
Good Friday – The day of Christ’s suffering and crucifixion, fulfilling God’s decree for humanity’s salvation.
Easter Sunday – Celebrating the resurrection, confirming Jesus as the Son of God, and establishing the tradition of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day.

The Great 50 Days of Easter

Easter Sunday marks the beginning of the 50-day Easter season, culminating in Pentecost.

During these weeks, believers reflect on their relationship with Jesus Christ and His role in overseeing our lives. Through His resurrection, He continues to guide, sustain, and transform all who trust in Him.

The Ascension: Christ Reigns in Glory

Forty days after Easter, Ascension Sunday redirects our gaze toward the heavens, where Jesus reigns. His ascension affirms His ongoing roles as:

High Priest
Intercessor
Advocate
Head of the Church
Mediator

From His heavenly throne, believers await His return—when He will come again as the glorious King.

Pentecost: The Outpouring of the Spirit

Pentecost commemorates the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the early Church and all believers throughout history.

Often regarded as the birth of the Church, Pentecost signifies far more than an anniversary—it is the continuation of Christ’s ministry through His people, as well as God’s personal revelation to believers through His Spirit.

Trinity Sunday: The Fullness of God

On Trinity Sunday, the fullness of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—comes to the forefront.

This day highlights the divine relationship within the Trinity and its impact on worship, preaching, and Christian life.

Christ the King Sunday: The Reign of Christ

This observance looks toward the future, when Christ will rule over all the earth following His glorious return.

It will be a time of peace and justice, fulfilling humanity’s deepest longing throughout history. However, Christ’s reign is not merely future—it is present in our lives now, as we submit to His authority and follow His teachings.

At TCC, Christ the King Sunday is often marked by the Hanging of the Greens, as the church is decorated for the upcoming Advent-Christmas season.

Reformation Sunday: Honoring Church Renewal

TCC also acknowledges Reformation Sunday, celebrated on October 31st.

This commemorates Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Chapel—an event that ignited the Protestant Reformation.

The Lord’s Supper: A Sacred Communion

The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or the Eucharist, is observed at TCC on the first Sunday of each month—underscoring its deep significance in Christian worship and remembrance.

Through this sacred meal, believers partake in Christ’s presence and sacrifice, renewing their connection to God and one another.

Ordinary Time: Growth Beyond Seasons

Throughout the liturgical year, ordinary time is interspersed between major seasons, providing space for a broader exploration of Scripture. This ensures believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word beyond seasonal themes.

The liturgical observances embraced by the broader Christian community at TCC are not forced upon the Church or observed under compulsion, unlike the Holy Days of the Old Covenant.

That covenant—made between God and Israel at Mount Sinai—continued until Jesus Christ’s death upon Mount Calvary, bringing it to an end.

The liturgical year we now follow has been formed over centuries, led by the Holy Spirit, who always directs us to the person of Jesus Christ.

It is to Jesus that we offer all worship and wholehearted devotion, for it is through Him that God has fully revealed Himself to us all.

Benediction: May We each and all ever be led to Worship our Great God as he has revealed himself to us in the Person of his Holy Son Jesus Christ , Today, Tomorrow and Forevermore Amen.