Church Matters: Retrieving the Great Tradition

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Chur ch Mat ter s : Ret r i ev i ng the Great Trad i t i on

Appendix 38 Colors of the Christian Year Robert Webber, The Services of the Christian Year (95). Nashville: Star Song Pub. Group, 1994.

Colors of the various seasons of the Christian year express the mood or feeling of the season. The following outline presents the colors most often associated with Christian seasons. Advent Blue or violet express the penitential nature of the season as well as the royalty of Christ.

Christmas White expresses the celebrative nature of the season.

After Epiphany Green expresses the ongoing eternal nature of growth. Use white for Baptism of the Lord Sunday and for the last Sunday which celebrates the transfiguration of our Lord. Lent Black, violet, grays, and/or muted blues express the solemnity of Lenten time. Holy Week Red is used as the color of the blood of Christ and of the martyrs. Black is also used to express the somber nature of Holy Week. For Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, use white or red. For Good Friday and Holy Saturday, red, black, or no color. Easter Gold or white expresses the joy of the season. Use red on Pentecost Sunday. Red symbolizes fire and the coming of the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost Green expresses the ongoing work of God. Use white on Trinity Sunday, All Saints’ Day, and Christ the King Sunday. White expresses the celebratory nature of these days.