Worship: Gregory of Nazianzus on the Festivals of the Church

Gregory of Nazianzus (d. 390), one of the three great Cappadocian theologians, preached magnificent festival sermons on Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, and Pentecost. He taught that the church calendar itself is a form of worship, guiding believers through the great events of salvation history year by year. "Let us keep the feast, not after the manner of a heathen festival, but in a godly sort; not after the way of the world, but in a fashion above the world."

Gregory saw each festival as an opportunity to participate in the event it celebrates: "Today Christ is born: glorify Him! Today Christ descends from heaven: go out to meet Him!" The church year, properly observed, is not mere commemoration but mystical participation.

Practical application: Follow the church calendar for one year. Mark the major seasons: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost. Read the appropriate Scripture passages for each season. Gregory teaches that the rhythm of the church year prevents the flatness of treating every Sunday the same and immerses the believer in the full drama of salvation.