Rhythms. We need rhythms. Rhythms anchor us, center us, keep us in touch with what has happened, what is happening, and what is yet to happen. A rhythm may move slowly at points, and more frenetically at others, but the cadence gives order to it. Breathing is a rhythm. Life happens in rhythm.
But whose rhythms are we living in step with? Often, my rhythm is set by the events of my day. On a larger scale, the cadence of my yearly calendar is structured by my activity. There are long stretches of work and writing and travel, then a few stretches of vacations and breaks, then more flurry of activity for our kids and the things they are involved in. These are all good things. But do I want my life to follow the rhythm of my activity?
Sacred rhythms keep us in line with the Spirit's work. They provide us with the space to listen, to look, to learn. While my calendar is shaped by my activity, the historic Church calendar is ordered by Christ's life and the Spirit's activity. The year is shaped by His birth, His revealing, His suffering, His death, His resurrection, His gift of the Spirit. I am learning to embrace the sacred rhythm of the Church Calendar to root my life, to ground my work, to keep me in a Groove much larger than my own self-centered world.
The Church, of course, is not the first to recognize the value of sacred rhythms. They were following in the footsteps (rhythms!) of their Jewish forefathers, who had feast days and festivals and fasts that were given to them by God while they were still in the wilderness. Think of it: a wandering people with no home yet, no real routines or sense of place...and God gave them a rhythm to live in, a rhythm that would help them worship, and repent, and remember.
But a rhythm doesn't just help us pay attention to God, it also reminds us that we are not alone. When we participate in a celebration of Christmas or Easter or in the humbling repentance of Lent, we are joining with all who have gone before us. We are walking a well-worn path. We are discarding the arrogance of independence, the pride of "doing it my way", and humbly joining a chorus of saints.
Whatever you choose to give up for Lent...
May it be a time to lower ourselves together before the foot of the cross. May we remember Christ and His suffering and offer our humble thanks. May we be attentive to the Spirit and His work in us as He prunes and convicts and refines. May God give us the grace to respond quickly and humbly to His mercy.
As we keep company with Christ in this Lenten season, may we hear again His words:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matt. 11:28, Message)
[For a brief sketch of the history and purpose of Lent, you can read the blog I wrote last year called, "Why I'm Observing Lent this Year."]
I've been looking for some good guides and references to things like the Christian calendar and/or descriptors of things like Lent and other observed traditions of the church, but have been mostly frustrated in my search for those things. Do you have any good directions to look in, either on-line or good books?
Thanks for this post; it's terrific.
Posted by: jfrank | March 08, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I know you weren't necessarily asking me, but my introduction to the Christian calendar was from a man named Robert Webber. He has a book called "Ancient-Future Time" that is a great overview of the church calendar in history and practice. Hope that helps!
Posted by: Patrick | March 08, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Perfect! Thanks for the response - I've actually read some of Webber's stuff in Worship Leader magazine. I'll be sure to check it out.
Posted by: jfrank | March 08, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Glenn, thanks for your encouragement on participating in Lent. I will be participating in Lent for the first time in my life this year. I've been a Christian (or at least have grown up in a Christian environment) all my life but never really understood Lent - probably because I grew up in an Evangelical/Charasmatic church in Sydney, AU.
Having just also read your blog from last year on "Why I'm observing Lent...", I was pleasantly surprised to learn you lived in Malaysia and attended a "full gospel" church there. My parents are both from Malaysia and attended the FGA church in KL before moving to Sydney.
If you or anyone else are interested, here's a link to a great piece by Rob Bell published in Relevant Magazine about the value of the church calendar: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/23640-why-advent [no universalism in this article i promise :)]
Posted by: LSaik | March 08, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Great blog! Thanks!
Posted by: Anthony | March 09, 2011 at 08:59 AM
During Lent last year I began following the Historic Church Calendar. It was after being influenced by one of your blogs. It has proven to be very enriching to my Christian life. Thanks again!
Posted by: Anthony | March 09, 2011 at 09:54 AM