Ordinary Time
Look at the seasons of the church year below and find September.
We find ourselves smack dab in the middle of Ordinary Time. What does this mean?
The church year orients and centers us in Christ! The seasons of the church are extremely helpful as a learning tool for our children (and all ages) to follow in the footsteps of Jesus from His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and beyond!
“Ordinary” refers to the “ordinal numbers” used to count each Sunday in this season (first, second, third, etc.). There is also a sense that is true for us that the season feels like the “ordinary” between the mountain top moments of the church year like Christmas and Easter!
Ordinary time is an important season of growth. The ordinary season in the church year is mark by the color green to represent growth. You cannot microwave spiritual growth. Just as plants need consistent sun, water, and nutrients for healthy growth, we need the consistent contact with the Giver of Life to experience the growth that He would have for us!
It prepares our hearts for waiting and feasting. The days outside of Ordinary Time are either times of waiting (Avent/Lent) or feasting (Christmas, Easter, etc.). God uses times in the valley and on the mountain, but He also calls us to spend time in the green pastures of the fertile plain.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
(Psalm 23:1-3)