The new Christian Year for the church always begins on the first Sunday in Advent. Just as there is a rhythm in the summer, fall, winter, and spring seasons, there is also a rhythm in the liturgical seasons of the Christian Year. Please note the color changes in the parament cloths on the altar and pulpit of our church.
Advent: November 27 through December 23, 2022:
“He is coming!” Advent is derived from the Latin word
“adventus,” which means “coming.” Advent is the season in which we prepare for the coming of Christmas. It is a season of preparation, anticipation, and expectation. The parament color on the altar and pulpit is purple, symbolizing both penitence and royalty.
Christmastide: December 24 through December 31, 2022.
“He is born!” Christmastide begins on Christmas Eve. The name “Christmas” comes from
“Christ’s Mass.” We are offered the gift of forgiveness and hope as we celebrate Christ's birth. The parament color is white, symbolizing the purity of Christ.
Epiphany: January 1 through February 21, 2023.
“He is The Light of the World!” Epiphany comes from the Greek word
“epiphany,” which means
“manifestation” or
“appearance.” It commemorates the coming of the Wise Men (Magi), who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. The color white is used on Epiphany's first and last Sundays in honor of the Baptism and Transfiguration of Jesus. The color green is used on the other Sundays of Epiphany.
Lent: February 22 through April 8, 2023:
“He Suffers and Dies!” Lent is a season of spiritual discipline and sacrifice. The focus is on the suffering death of Jesus on the cross. The parament color is purple, symbolizing penitence.
Eastertide: April 16 through May 27, 2023:
“He Lives!” Eastertide celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of life eternal. The parament color is white, symbolizing purity.
Pentecost: May 28 through November 12, 2023:
“He sends the Holy Spirit!” Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit that descended upon the disciples, and the church was born. The parament color is red on Pentecost Sunday, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The parament color is green on the final Sundays of Pentecost, symbolizing growth.
This ends the church year. The new church year begins with the first Sunday of Advent 2023.
