Michaelmas: Seasonal Feast

War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, but were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. The great Dragon—ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray—thrown out, and all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth. Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying,
Salvation and power are established!
    Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah!
The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out,
    who accused them day and night before God.
They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb
    and the bold word of their witness.
They weren’t in love with themselves;
    they were willing to die for Christ.
So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there,
    but doom to earth and sea,
For the Devil’s come down on you with both feet;
    he’s had a great fall;
He’s wild and raging with anger;
    he hasn’t much time and he knows it.
Revelation 12: 7-12

You may have never heard of Michaelmas, but know of St. Michael the Archangel. Michaelmas is every September 29 and is a feast day in which we celebrate the church’s victory over evil, but it is so much more than that. Michael’s name means “Who is like God?” That may seem like a strange question, because we may answer; none. In the liturgical calendar, we celebrate St. Michael (Michaelmas) in preparation for the Advent season lurking around the corner. The question, “Who is like God?,” is leading us to an answer found at the end of Advent, Christ. Archangel Michael is pointing us toward the contemplation of Christ. We start Michaelmas at the end of the harvest season and move into a season of reflection, fasting, and maturity with Advent.

So when we read Revelation 12, beginning with Michael in battle, we see scripture progressing toward the revelation of Christ, the one who is like God, our true victor over death and evil–the Lamb. This brings us into the heart of Michaelmas. It reminds us that we are entering a season that leads us to Emmanuel, Christ with us, the Light in the Darkness. So let’s take some time to pause today and begin our contemplative journey toward the one “who is like God” as well as celebrate and feast over our victory in Christ, our hope for healing in a hurting world.

Pause for Reflection

Take a moment to re-read Revelation. What do you notice about the scene? Who are the ‘characters’ depicted?
Where do you notice Christ reflected in this passage? What is Christ like?
What struggle do you notice unfolding in the passage?
Now consider your life: Where do you notice struggle? Where do you desire Christ to enter into that struggle?
Advent doesn’t begin until November 28, but how can the story of St. Michael slaying the dragon and pointing us to Christ be an invitation to begin contemplating the entrance of Christ into our world. Where would you like to see Christ victorious in your life, the life of your family, church, community and world? Spend time praying with this.

Fun Ways to Celebrate Michaelmas

Michaelmas is filled with various church traditions for celebration. Here are some ways to celebrate within your family and community.

Make dragon bread. Check out this recipe.
Learn more about the history behind the story and traditions: Click here.
Have a Michaelmas feast with traditional foods. Here are some ideas: Click here.
Read the St. Michael and Holy Angels collect from the BCP before your evening meal.
Make a dragon piñata and together slay the dragon like St. Michael.
Read the story of St. Michael or St. George to your children. St. George, A Michaelmas Story

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, Collect for St. Michael and the Holy Angels

Image header: Saint Michael and the Devil The Archangel Michael is a painting by Poulakis Theodoros.