Holy Week
Lent is a journey. The whole Christian church takes this time every year to remember again the life and ministry of Jesus, from His baptism through His death and resurrection. Historically, Lent was also a time when services had more solemnity (by silencing the alleluias) and when candidates for baptism were instructed in the faith.
Lent is also considered a time to prepare for Easter. Without first remembering the great sacrifice Jesus made, the joy of the resurrection is not as poignant. Many Christians reflect on Jesus life and death by giving something up. Things such as television may be given up in order to have more time to reflect on Jesus, while foods may be given up to recall that Jesus gave up everything to come to earth for His people. Others may add works of service during Lent as a way to thank Jesus for all He has done.
Holy Week marks the end of Lent and is itself an even more solemn time than the rest of Lent. Traditionally, the Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit) is not sung in its traditional place in the church liturgy during Holy Week to mark it as as even more solemn time. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Holy Week are also the only times during the church year that a Tenebrae (service of darkness) is held.
Holy Week begins a week before Easter with Palm Sunday. This Sunday remembers the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Many churches have palms for their members to wave, giving the service a very joyous atmosphere. However, some churches have also taken to reading one of the passion stories during the Palm Sunday service, shifting the focus from the joyous entry to the darker truth of what lies ahead.
The next major day in Holy Week is Maundy Thursday, which remembers the institution of Communion as a part of the Last Supper. For this reason, many Maundy Thursday services include communion. Some churches also strip their altars at the end of the service in preparation for Good Friday.
Good Friday commemorates the death of Jesus. Many churches read the passion according to John. Services often end in darkness.
Holy Week concludes with the coming of Easter Sunday. Easter is the day that the Christian church remembers the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Services are often held at sunrise, remembering how the women went to the tomb at sunrise and found it empty. This completes the journey, as it was in the resurrection of Jesus. His purpose on earth was fulfilled by saving His believers from death, sin and the devil.
