THE CHRISTIAN YEAR

Many have inquired about why the colors on the Pastor’s Robe and the colors of the new banners hanging in the church change from time to time and the significance behind the colors.

The colors signify the changing of the Seasons within the Christian year.

So we will outline the Christian Year from the beginning till the end, so everyone will know that there is a method and what it is.

The Christian Year begins with the Season of Advent. 

Meaning: Preparation of Jesus’ Birth

Begins: Four Sundays Before Christmas.

Color: Purple

The Christmas Season:

Meaning: Celebration of the Brith of Christ.

Begins: The night of Christmas Eve.

Color: White

The Season after Epiphany:

Meaning: God self-manifestations to us.

Begins: Sunday after Epiphany (January 6^th).  The day that is celebrated for the Magi visiting Jesus.

Color: Green.  Except for the Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday, (Sunday before Lent).  White

The Season of Lent:

Meaning: Preparation of Easter.

Begins: Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter, not including Sundays).

Color: Purple

The Easter Season:

Meaning: Celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.

Begins: At first light on Easter Morning. Lasts seven Sundays.

Color: White (On Seventh Sunday is Pentecost Sunday which is Red).

The Season after Pentecost:

Meaning: Focus on the teachings of Christ

Begins: Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, goes through 26 Sundays till Advent, starts the year.

Colors: Green (During this time we celebrate Trinity Sunday - white, and All Saints Sunday - Red).

 Hopefully this will give a clearer understanding of the changing seasons and colors, and this will add to our worship of our Lord.  If anyone has any questions or commits, please ask.

This article was originally published by Duawn Mearns in February 2005.