Core Christian Days

 

Recently, I met several people who were interested to understand the essentials of Good Friday and Easter. This short article is an attempt to explain briefly Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter and Christmas. 

The Christian faith is an invitation to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is not an “earning salvation” religion but by pure grace – an unmerited favour of God to rescue us (Eph. 2:8-9). No one can come to Christ unless the Holy Spirit convicts them – and that too from repentance of one’s heart and believing that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

The five key days represented below form the core narrative of the Christian faith: Ash Wednesday begins a 40-day, reflective Lenten season (repentance, fasting), while Maundy Thursday (Last Supper/servant leadership), Good Friday (crucifixion/sacrifice), Easter (resurrection/victory) form the “Triduum” (three days) climaxing in the celebration of new life, and Christmas (birth of Jesus Christ). 

Ash Wednesday (Starts Lent): Christians receive ashes on their foreheads to mark the beginning of a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, and self-reflection in preparation for Easter. It symbolizes mortality ("dust to dust") and the need for spiritual renewal. 

Maundy Thursday (Last Supper): Commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples before his betrayal. Significance includes Jesus washing his disciples' feet to teach humility, and the institution of the Holy Communion/Eucharist [Maundy is from the Latin word mandatum or command – “Love one another as I have loved you (Jn 15:12)]. 

Good Friday (Crucifixion): A solemn day focusing on Jesus’ crucifixion, suffering, and death on the cross. It is considered "good" because it represents the sacrifice Jesus made to pay for the sins of humanity, leading to salvation. 

Easter (Resurrection): The celebration of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. It is the most significant Christian celebration, marking victory over death, sin, and the promise of eternal life. 

Christmas (Incarnation/Birth): The celebration of Christmas is the incarnation of God on earth. Jesus was born to save mankind.

To know more and explore the meaning of life, please do the Alpha Course.