General,  God's purpose

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.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

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

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!

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