The narrative lectionary is a set of readings for Christian worship, which moves through the overarching biblical story in a ninth-month period.

The narrative lectionary respects the traditional Christian church year, with its principal festivals and seasons -- Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. It also respects the rhythms of the school year or program year, which influence the program lives of many congregations.

• In the fall of each year, the narrative lectionary moves rapidly through the Old Testament story -- beginning in Genesis around the start of September and culminating with the promise of the Messiah during December (Advent).
  
• In the winter of each year, the narrative lectionary moves in order through one Gospel -- tracing the story of Jesus in canonical order from birth, through ministry, passion, and culminating with the story of the resurrection at Easter.
  
• In the spring of each year, the narrative lectionary engages part of the story of the early church, as told in Acts and other New Testament writings.
  
• The narrative lectionary for 2012-2013 runs from Sept. 9, 2012, to May 19, 2013.
  
• View the 2012-2013 ...