Practicing Christian Leadership, Student Workbook, SW11

2 3 2 /

P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

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).

Birth

• It then focuses on the revelation of his mission to the world (Epiphany).

Ministry

• It reminds us that Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and the cross (Ash Wednesday and Lent).

Passion

• It chronicles his final week, his crucifixion and his resurrection (HolyWeek).

Ascension

• It affirms his Ascension to the Father’s right hand in glory (Ascension Day).

Descent of the Spirit

• It celebrates the birth of his Church through the ministry of his Spirit (Pentecost).

The Church through the Ages

• It remembers the history of his Church throughout the ages (All Saints Day).

Second Coming

• 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.

Colors Associated With the Church Year

The Meaning of the Colors

Christmas Season (Christmas Day through start of Epiphany) - White and Gold

Black Mourning, Death

Epiphany Season - Green

Ash Wednesday and Lent - Purple

Gold Majesty, Glory

Holy Week

Palm Sunday - Purple

Green Hope, Life

Maundy Thursday - Purple

Good Friday - Black

Purple Royalty, Repentance

Easter Sunday - White and Gold

Red Holy Spirit (flame) Martyrdom (blood)

Ascension Day - White and Gold

Pentecost - Red

All Saints Day - Red

White Innocence, Holiness, Joy

Advent Season (Fourth Sunday before Christmas through Christmas Eve) - Purple