Christianity Practices: Festivals

Question 1

Why are festivals important?

Answer 1

• Festivals in Christianity are an important time to remember religious events and to come together for a public act of worship
• There are several Christian festivals that provide time for Christians to reflect and celebrate their faith

Question 2

Christmas and Advent

Answer 2

• Advent begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Christians use this period to prepare themselves for Christmas, the celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Jesus
• Christmas, which means ‘Christ’s Mass’ is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and is celebrated on December 25th.
• Lots of Catholics, Orthodox and Anglican churches have a Midnight Mass to welcome Christmas Day
• Church services will include prayers, a sermon and the singing of Christmas Carols
• Christmas commemorates the Incarnation of Jesus or the belief that God became human in Jesus

Question 3

Easter and Lent

Answer 3

• The Easter festival lasts over 40 days. Starting with Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) and then onto Ash Wednesday the start of Lent
• Lent is the period before Easter when Christians remember their sins. This is called penitence.
• Easter helps Christians to remember the sacrifice of Jesus through His crucifixion and resurrection.
• Easter reminds Christians that God loves them so much he was willing to suffer and die on the cross. This gives them hope of eternal life and salvation