Our church year...
We follow a church year calendar to make sure that we cover the important events and teachings of Christ every year. Below are listed the (1) meaning & purpose of a "church season" and (2) the meaning & purpose of colors and images associated with the season.
Advent (late November-December)
"Advent" is a Latin word meaning "coming to" or "arrival." Over four weeks, we follow a series of readings preparing us for Jesus' "arrival" on Christmas Day, his "arrival" into our hearts by his Word, and his "arrival" at the end of the world.
We use the color blue to remind us to look up to the blue skies and eagerly wait for Jesus' coming. (Purple may be used to mark our coming royalty, King Jesus.) |
Pentecost (May-November)
The season of Pentecost begins 50 days after Easter and covers the remaining half of the church year. During Pentecost we focus on the teachings of Christ and their application to us.
Red is often used to picture the red tongues of fire which came to rest on the disciples' heads on Pentecost. The living fire of their faith glowed as they shared the good news of Jesus. We also use the color green to symbolize growth (just like green plants grow). Easter (March/April- April/May)
The sorrow of Lent is broken by the triumphant celebration of Easter, the highest of holy days for Christmas. We rejoice in the victory of the risen Christ over all of our enemies.
We use the color white to remind us that Jesus did not have the sin's scarlet stain. He is blameless and pure (just like how pure white clothing is called "clean" or a fresh white snowfall is "pure"). Gold may be used as a picture to a king's golden crown, reminding us of Jesus' triumphant Kingship over all things. |
Christmas (late December-mid-January)
For twelve days after Christmas, we marvel at the Savior God sent us. We celebrate God keeping his promise to send us a Savior. We celebrate the coming of God as a man to save us.
We use the color white to remind us how Jesus was without sin's scarlet stain. He is blameless and pure (just like how pure white clothing is called "clean" or fresh white snowfall is "pure"). Epiphany (mid-January-February)
Epiphany is a Greek word that means “appearing.” We remember the appearing of the star to the wise men, telling us that Christ is the Savior of all nations. We also see Christ appearing to his disciples, making himself known as the promised Savior as he begins his ministry.
We use the color green to symbolize growth (just like green plants grow). During Epiphany we grow in our knowledge about what the Savior's ministry means for us. |
Lent (February/March- March/April)
Lent is a time for humble and solemn meditation on the seriousness of our sins and the depth of Christ’s love for us that he took those sins upon himself. During this time of year we also have midweek Lenten service which slows us down to ponder the amazing love of our Savior.
We use purple during Lent for two reasons. First, the color purple is used by royalty, and Jesus is King over all things. Second, purple colors our somber mood in ponder Jesus' saving work. |
