Calendar: Christ's Time for the Church

The text is suitable for students seeking understanding on all things liturgy.

This is one of many books that explain about the "proper" use and historic development of the tradition of the liturgical or Christian year. What sets this book apart from the masses of prose on this topic is that it draws the reader into the spiritual appology for why the use of the Christian year in worship is so important. Christmas is not just about the baby Jesus lying in the manger and the cattle lowing. It is about God's humiliation to take on human form (the Incarnation) for the purpose of the redemption of all creation. When we remember the saving works of God through Christ as the centerpiece of our faith from which everything else stems, then we celebrate Christmas in a way that strengthens our individual and corporate faith. Each of the seasons of the Christian year can equip us to spiritual growth if we look to the purpose for God's acts rather than simply the history of the events that we commemorate. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is responsible for planning corporate worship experiences.

Stookey's work is a must read. He effectively communicates the gospel message of Jesus as he writes in an accessible style. The author's stated intent was to write so that anyone could read it and he accomplished his goal. This book would be a great book for any worship leader, pastor, or seminary student. Others who are interested in the liturgical year will find some of the terms foreign to them but Stookey quickly defines theological terms. Stookey's point of view is very helpful especially to those who come from a tradition where liturgy seems foreign. I found as I read that my eyes were opened to an entirely new world where marking time through the Church calendar is something to be desired and not something to react against. It is a shame that more churches are not intentionally marking time through observances Stookey describes. This book challenged me to teach a Sunday School class through the four Sundays of Advent. The response to the material was great and warmly received an environment where liturgy is foreign.

Calendar is, perhaps, one of the most important books to enter the read-field in the area of liturgical studies, and I would postulate, pastoral theology. In Stookey's classic logical fashion, and his easy readability, he demonstrates the essential nature of understanding the events of the Christian year; in typical Jesus fashion, "You have heard it said, but I tell you...", Stookey helps us to see that our fulcrum for time has been placed in the wrong balance. Indeed, preparation for and the experience of Resurrection are the pivotal events for a Christian life, and it is from these events that all time is derived. His style is inviting and his content is convincing. This book will become a mandate for a new generation of ministerial leaders, both clergy and lay.

A thought provoking book, found it difficult to agree on some aspects, but other parts were very helpful. Would recommend it to anyone who are unsure of divine healing, but also remembering not all peoples experiences are the same.

If you're going to buy one book on the Christian year, this is the one to buy. This great resource was on the required reading list for a class I was taking on the Christian year. Coming from a denominational tradition that doesn't emphasize much of the Christian year (Christmas and Easter, but not much else), Stookey's book gave me a readable, well-balanced overview of the subject. I highly recommend it!

Purchased this book for a class that I took, and it was very helpful and interesting

Enjoyed the book and the author's style