Picturing Theology

5 0 /

P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

The Church Year (continued)

The Church Year Follows the Ordering of the Gospels and Acts • It begins with the birth of Christ (Advent to Epiphany). • It then focuses on the revelation of his mission to the world (Epiphany). • It reminds us that Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and the cross (Ash Wednesday and Lent). • It chronicles his final week, his crucifixion and his resurrection (HolyWeek). • It affirms his Ascension to the Father’s right hand in glory (Ascension Day). • It celebrates the birth of his Church through the ministry of his Spirit (Pentecost). • It remembers the history of his Church throughout the ages (All Saints Day). • Advent both ends the cycle and begins it again. It looks forward to his Second Coming as the conclusion of the Church year but also prepares to remember again his first coming and thus starts the Church year afresh. Christmas Season (Christmas Day through start of Epiphany) - White and Gold Epiphany Season – Green Ash Wednesday and Lent – Purple Holy Week Palm Sunday - Purple Maundy Thursday - Purple Good Friday - Black Easter Sunday - White and Gold Ascension Day - White and Gold Pentecost – Red All Saints Day – Red Advent Season (Fourth Sunday before Christmas through Christmas Eve) - Purple Colors Associated With the Church Year

Birth  Ministry  Passion  Ascension  Descent of the Spirit  The Church through the Ages  Second Coming

The Meaning of the Colors

Black Mourning, Death

Gold Majesty, Glory

Green Hope, Life

Purple Royalty, Repentance

Red Holy Spirit (flame) Martyrdom (blood)

White Innocence, Holiness, Joy