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Advent
Late November to December 24
The story
Advent, from a Latin word meaning coming, is a season of waiting and preparation. Christians remember the long expectation of a Savior in the Old Testament and look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. Many families mark the weeks with an Advent wreath, lighting one candle each Sunday, or open an Advent calendar counting down to Christmas.
How the date is set
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25, which falls between November 27 and December 3, and runs until Christmas Eve.
Why it matters
Advent sets the tone for Christmas by making room for reflection and hope. It reminds believers that the story of Jesus began with centuries of longing, and it invites patience, watchfulness, and preparation of the heart.
The story
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell of Mary and Joseph, the manger, angels announcing the news to shepherds, and wise men following a star. Christians call this the Incarnation, the belief that God became human in Jesus.
How the date is set
Western churches celebrate Christmas on December 25. Many Eastern Orthodox churches follow the older Julian calendar and observe it on January 7. The date marks the celebration, not a recorded birth date, which the Bible does not give.
Why it matters
Christmas proclaims that God drew near to humanity. For Christians it is a celebration of light entering darkness and of God's love made visible in a child, which is why themes of giving, family, and welcome run through the season.
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Lent
40 days before Easter
The story
Lent is a season of repentance and preparation for Easter. It recalls the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Many Christians observe it with prayer, fasting, and giving, and some choose to give something up or take on a spiritual practice for the season. Ash Wednesday, when ashes are marked on the forehead, begins it.
How the date is set
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays, ending at Easter. Because it is tied to Easter, its dates move each year along with the Easter date.
Why it matters
Lent is a time to examine one's life, turn from sin, and grow closer to God. Its quiet, reflective tone prepares believers to grasp the meaning of Good Friday and the joy of Easter more deeply.
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Good Friday
The Friday before Easter
The story
Good Friday remembers the crucifixion and death of Jesus. According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested, tried, and put to death on a cross. Christians observe the day solemnly, often with quiet services, readings of the passion story, and reflection on Jesus's suffering.
How the date is set
Good Friday is the Friday immediately before Easter Sunday, at the end of Holy Week. Its date moves each year with Easter.
Why it matters
Christians call the day good because they believe Jesus's death paid the price for sin and opened the way to reconciliation with God. It is somber, yet it is understood as the necessary path to the hope of Easter.
The story
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. The Gospels describe women finding the tomb empty and Jesus appearing to His followers. It is the culmination of Holy Week, following Good Friday.
How the date is set
In Western churches, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox, landing between March 22 and April 25. Eastern Orthodox churches often calculate it differently, so the two dates sometimes differ.
Why it matters
Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. The resurrection is the foundation of the faith, seen as God's victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.
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Pentecost
50 days after Easter
The story
Pentecost remembers the day the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus's followers, described in the book of Acts. The disciples were gathered together when they were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in other languages, and the apostle Peter preached to a crowd from many nations. Thousands responded.
How the date is set
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, which is why it is sometimes called Whitsunday. Its date moves each year with Easter.
Why it matters
Pentecost is often called the birthday of the church. It marks the moment the followers of Jesus were empowered to carry His message into the world, and it celebrates the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit among believers.