We're all aware of the festivities surrounding next week's Halloween holiday, but did you know that there's something else noteworthy to celebrate on October 31 that holds great significance for our faith?
This year, October 31 - Reformation Day - marks 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the City Church in Wittenberg, sparking a massive upheaval in the church that led to the Protestant Reformation.
This 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is a perfect opportunity to root your family in the Kingdom story of the Gospel and the Church. We know how to celebrate the birth of Christ and His Resurrection, but how do we celebrate God’s work in the Church through the Reformation?
Following are several ideas that will capture your family's imagination and inform your minds. Below, you will find ideas for celebrating different aspects of the Reformation with both your elementary-aged and high-school children that will enrich your faith and appreciation for this anniversary as well.
Reformation History
For younger children
Read The Reformation ABCs, written by Stephen J. Nichols and illustrated by Ned Bustard. I realize this may be a shameless plug for this (as my husband illustrated it), but by reading it, you and your children will learn about the people and ideas in the Reformation.
Filled with interesting information and colorful pictures, every age can glean something from this book. It's simple enough for you to grab a few highlights to share with your young ones as they enjoy the pictures, but also just comprehensive enough for your elementary and older children to gain more insight into this historical period. You may know your ABCs, but you are certain to learn something new from this book. The local Hearts & Minds Bookstore, owned by Beth and Byron Borger in Dallastown, PA, has a stack of them. Call them at 717-246-3333 to place an order (or, you can also purchase them through online booksellers).
For adults and older students
For those of you who like to read history, these two books will expand your understanding of the Reformation. Katharina & Martin Luther, written by Michelle DeRusha, focuses not only on the Reformation, but on the lives of Martin and his wife Katharina, their radical marriage, and the culture of the time period. The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World by Stephen J. Nichols is more than just a retelling of Martin Luther’s famous posting of the 95 Thesis; it discusses the lives of other Reformers such at John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Lady Jane Grey, and Anne Bradstreet.
Reformation Music
LBC Reformation Concert
Attend A Mighty Fortress: A Concert Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Lancaster Bible College’s Worship and Performing Arts Department will present Felix Mendelssohn’s “Reformation Symphony,” featuring its festival orchestra; the Reformation Contata by Johannes Sebastian Bach, featuring the LBC chorale and guest soloists; and Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” with department chair, Dr. Paul Thorlakson playing piano and the festival orchestra, LBC chorale and several local high school choirs singing. This event will be held at The Good Shepherd Chapel on the LBC campus Friday night, November 3 and Saturday night, November 4, 7PM. Click here for more information concerning tickets.
Family hymn sing
Singing hymns was a conviction of Martin Luther’s - he believed singing was a great way to learn theological truths. Sing hymns with your family that capture the doctrines of grace. “A Mighty Fortress” and “And Can It Be” are wonderful songs to sing together. Modern hymns written by Keith and Kristyn Getty are full of sound theology and rich melodies. A few Bustard family favorites are: “Every Promise of Your Word,” “By Faith,” and “Come People of the Risen King”. These are great songs to sing along with in the car!
Reformation Solas
Family Sola Study
Study the five solas together through the next month or so. Define them for your children and study key passages which teach Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria. We are never too young to be reminded of these bedrock truths. These are still as pertinent to us today as they were hundreds of years ago, when they became the rally cry for the Reformation.
You can begin your study of the solas on Reformation Day, October 31, by writing them out as your family’s statement of faith and “nailing” the document to your front door (or refrigerator). Then, refer to your document in the weeks and months to come as you examine the truths and meanings behind each one. This blog link can give you a place to start.
To see how God has been using the Reformation in our contemporary age and in other cultures, listen in on this discussion between Dr. Miguel Núñez and Nancy Guthrie at Help Me Teach the Bible (The Gospel Coalition). They talk about how to teach the Solas in a text-driven way, and how the Reformation, which skipped Latin America in the 1500s, is now spreading through the Latin American world.
Art to Honor the Solas
Also check out the work of a local, contemporary painter Najwan Zoubi Saack at The Square Halo Gallery on November 3, 2017 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Commissioned by Ned Bustard, this series is titled Celebrating the Reformation and includes five works visually reinterpreting the five Solas in imaginative, challenging, and unexpected ways. Its goal is to remind us that these old ideas are ever new. The Square Halo Gallery is located in The Trust Performing Arts Center in Downtown Lancaster (please note that this show has a few images that might be disturbing for young viewers.)
Reformation Movie
Watch Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer with your older children. As stated on the website, this approximately 90-minute documentary will help you “discover [the] story behind the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation. Told through a seamless combination of live-action storytelling and artistic animation, Martin Luther’s daring life is presented in extensive detail while still making the film relevant, provocative and accessible."
This film also includes commentary by respected theologians and scholars such as RC Sproul and Carl Truman. Go to https://www.lutherdocumentary.com to find different ways to view the film and to access a free study guide.
Reformation Art
Learn about the important German artist Albrect Durer. Although he remained a Catholic throughout his life, he was a fan of Martin Luther and owned all of his writings. This short video will teach you about Albrect Durer and his print The Last Supper (The Large Passion), which was completed in 1510. As stated by James Romaine, the narrator, this piece of art is “grace in action.” This ten-minute video is a fascinating look at an artist whose faith was foundational to his artwork. (There is a whole series about Albrect Durer narrated by James Romaine and can be found here.)
Also, if you haven't done so yet, stop into Veritas to admire the winner of our second annual Arts Invitational, titled the Wittenberg (Reformation) Altarpiece. It's a stunning piece of artwork created with 22-carat gold leaf and CrayPas that pays homage to the famed Cranach altarpiece at the Wittenberg Church (where Luther nailed his 95 theses). Copies of Luther's writings border the piece.
On October 31, our Grammar School is looking forward to a Reformation Day Celebration, with dramatic monologues from historic Reformation personalities, a delicious “diet of worms” treat (try it at home - dirt pudding with gummy worms!), and a special 95 Theses craft. Those of you with children at Veritas are welcome to stop in to hear the monologues and celebrate this special occasion with your children (for those with younger siblings, please note that we only have enough snacks and craft materials for our Veritas students).
The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is something that will only happen once in all of our lives (or in all of history, for that matter). I encourage you to take the time with your whole family to celebrate it well.
