![]() Theologically, the day called for what Jonathan Green describes as “a flashy and brilliant cantata” ( A Conductor’s Guide to the Choral-Orchestral Works of J. Michael’s Day was also one of the quarterly occasions on which “rents were levied and agreed in northern Europe, the start of the new agricultural year for many people and, in Leipzig, the day of one of its three annual trade fairs” (John Eliot Gardiner, Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven, p. Matthew 18:1-11 (angels behold the face of God as part of their care for God’s children). The Scripture lessons were Revelation 12:7-12 (Michael’s end-times battle with the ancient dragon) and St. ![]() Two competing (or are they complementary?) theories might explain the choice of September 29th for this festival: the dedication of a church by the same name in ancient Europe, and/or the passing of the fall equinox, resulting in shorter days and longer nights, an allegory of the end-times battle between good and evil. ![]() Michael’s and All Angels (hereafter “Michaelmas”), with the possible exceptions of Reformation and All Saints. Among the principal feasts of Christ in the church year, few are more beloved in the Lutheran tradition than St. ![]()
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