The Christmas Season ends with the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6. Because the remainder of the Church Year is established by the movable date of Easter, it is customary to announce the Movable Feasts after the proclamation of the Holy Gospel on Epiphany. Paul H. D. Lang, (Ceremony and Celebration, p. 159, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO, 1965)suggests the following form:
"Dearly beloved brethren, you shall know that as we have rejoiced in the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, so there is announced to you by the mercy of God the joyous observance of the Resurrection of the same our Savior:
February 4th is Septuagesima Sunday.
On February 21st Ash Wednesday begins the most holy season of Lent.
On April 8th we shall celebrate with great rejoicing the holy Easter Festival of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May 17th is the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
May 27th is the Feast of Pentecost.
December 2nd is the First Sunday in the Advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be honor and glory, world without end. Amen."
