Celebrating Reformation Day
by Annie Yorty ©2021
Have you ever heard of Reformation Day? I suspect that even for those who are familiar with it, very few have thought much about celebrating Reformation Day.
Though I grew up attending a Lutheran church, I had little awareness of this church holiday, which is directly related to Martin Luther, celebrated on October 31st. Our youth group was more apt to have a creepy haunted house for Halloween than a Reformation Day observance.
When I homeschooled my kids, though, I learned more about the rich history of Reformation Day. Once we understood its significance, we made it a fun part of our fall tradition for many years. Whether you have children or not, I offer you these ideas to make celebrating Reformation Day an alternative or addition to Halloween.
Why celebrate Reformation Day?
Way back in 1517, Martin Luther was a monk and scholar who grew increasingly disturbed by corruption he saw within the organized church. On October 31st of that year, he published Ninety-Five Theses, or statements and questions, intended to prompt public discussion and change. What followed was a series of events known as the Protestant Reformation, which drew the church back to the foundational truths of Scripture.
The Five Solas
Five truths from the Bible re-emerged through the Protestant Reformation that remain as a basis for Christianity today. These truths allow no substitutes. Each statement uses the word “alone” to underscore its importance and exclusivity. (It’s for times like these I studied Latin for two years in middle school. 😊)
- sola scriptura—Scripture alone
God’s word is the Christian’s highest authority.
- solus Christus—Christ alone
Only Christ can bring salvation.
- sola fide—faith alone
The only way to be right with God is through faith in Jesus.
- sola gratia—grace alone
We are saved by God’s grace and not by any works we may do.
- soli Deo gloria—glory to God alone
The purpose of creation and every life is to bring glory to God.
What is our focus?
One of Luther’s theses claimed, “The Church’s true treasure is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Do we truly treasure the gospel message, the good news about Jesus? Some folks mistakenly think the gospel is only relevant for the day of salvation. But every day brings new opportunities to participate in the gospel of Jesus.
When we tell others about Jesus.
When we extend grace and forgiveness.
When we deny our sinful nature.
When we obey God.
When we imitate Christ.
When our actions demonstrate how much we treasure the gospel of Christ, we honor God and celebrate Reformation Day every day.
Blog Bonus: Ideas for Celebrating Reformation Day with Children
- Research Martin Luther and write a group essay about him. Assign a part of the essay to each child. On Reformation Day combine the parts and read aloud.
- Dress up as characters living in Germany in the 1500’s.
- Make a special German meal together. Set the table with your prettiest dishes and light candles to make it memorable. Suggested menu with recipe links:
bratwurst Brined Bratwurst Recipe | Allrecipes
sauerkraut (I just buy it in a can)
German potato salad Authentic German Potato Salad | Allrecipes
brown-buttered noodles Browned Butter Egg Noodles – A Coalcracker in the Kitchen
easy apple streudel Apple Strudel Recipe – Pillsbury.com
- Suggested reading about Martin Luther:
Martin Luther (Christian Biographies for Young Readers) Hardcover
Did Martin Luther Go On a Diet of Worms? (Church History for Kids) (younger kids)
- Learn one or two of the many songs written by Martin Luther.
Dear Christians One And All Rejoice – Lyrics (the weak & the few) – Bing video
- An older student may research the five solas of the Reformation and find Bible verses to back each one up.
Five Solas of the Reformation—What They Are and Why They Matter
- Martin Luther helped create the Luther Cross. Make your own art project depicting the five solas.
- Create a lapbook to learn about and celebrate Reformation Day. Ask your child to present it at your Reformation Day dinner.
Here’s a link to a free lapbook:
https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2017/10/free-printable-reformation-unit-study-and-lapbook-2/
- Listen to a program about Martin Luther and the Reformation:
Focus on the Family How Martin Luther Changed the World (Part 1 of 2)
How Martin Luther Changed the World (Part 2 of 2) – Focus on the Family
- Choose a few of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses for family discussion.
Join the conversation:
How do you live out the Gospel of Jesus every day?
What ideas for celebrating Reformation Day would you add to mine?
I welcome your comments!
20 Comments
Edwina Cowgill
Annie,
You are right–I didn’t know much about Reformation Day! I’ve learned quite a bit through your blog. Very interesting and educational. Thanks!
Edwina Cowgill
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Edwina. It’s been a lot of fun over the years.
lorna j. blanchard
I absolutely enjoyed reading this – as a child brought up in the Lutheran Church – I too remember it being talked about and a sense of accomplishment yet I never knew much more than the Sunday School picture of him posting them on the door. Thanks.
Annie Yorty
Funny how learning is so much more interesting as adults, isn’t it? Thanks for visiting!
Pat D Rayl
Great post with great ideas. Thank Ann. We’d love to do with this with grandkids.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Pat. As I recall, we enjoyed many parties together homeschooling back in the day.
Jennifer Knight
I love what you said, “every day brings new opportunities to participate in the gospel of Jesus.” So true. Thank you for sharing all of this great information.
Annie Yorty
Thank you for visiting, Jennifer!
Katherine Pasour
I’ve worked at a Lutheran University for more than 20 years. We always commemorate Reformation Day in Chapel, but I’ve learned so much from your post. Your ideas to help children learn more about this important time in Christian church history are excellent. I hope we never forget that “the church’s true treasure is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Thank you for sharing
Annie Yorty
Katherine, yes, without the Gospel of Christ we have nothing. I appreciate your comments.
Candyce Carden
My son-in-law, a pastor, used to dress up as Martin Luther on Halloween, cook up hotdogs to serve the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, and talk about the gospel to anyone interested. Your post provids depth that helps me better understand the reformation movement. Valuable info!
Annie Yorty
I love it, Candyce!
Nancy E. Head
What a wonderful way to learn Church history! Great post!
Annie Yorty
Thank you!
Leigh DeLozier
One of our former pastors made a point to mark Reformation Day and taught about the five solas throughout the year. They’re such important things for us to remember! I especially loved your statement that “every day brings new opportunities to participate in the gospel of Jesus.” It’s easy to forget that in everyday life. Thanks for the reminder that we can, and what a privilege it is.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Leigh, for visiting and adding your thoughts.
Tammy Kennington
Hi Annie,
Our church celebrates Reformation Day but I didn’t know there were so many wonderful resources for children. I LOVE this! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Tammy
Annie Yorty
I think we see Reformation Day as some stuffy church holiday, but we always have a good time remembering and celebrating. Thank you for visiting!
Teresa
Hello Ann,
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to finally read Luther’s 95 Theses. I love your blog, and look forward to more!!
Teresa
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Teresa!