Affirms
Christmas and Easter observed with great care; distinctive Moravian traditions.
The Moravian Church affirms the observance of Christmas and Easter as crucial celebrations of Christian faith. Christmas is observed with careful attention to the incarnation's significance, and the Moravian Christmas Putz (nativity scenes with detailed figurines and landscapes) is a beloved Moravian tradition. Easter is celebrated with the distinctive Easter Morning Sunrise Service—a Moravian tradition of gathering outdoors at dawn to worship and celebrate Christ's resurrection with music and thanksgiving. Advent is also observed. These celebrations are understood not as human additions but as appropriate recognition and commemoration of Christ's central work.
Key Distinctions
- Christmas easter observed:
- observed — Christmas and Easter are core celebrations of the Christian calendar
- Biblical feasts observed:
- not formally observed; OT feasts are fulfilled in Christ
- Rationale:
- historical events of the Incarnation and Resurrection are celebrated liturgically
Scripture References
Sources
- Moravian Liturgy and Hymnal
- Moravian Liturgical Calendar and Traditions