The Church year differs dramatically from the calendar year we are all accustomed to. This is purposeful. The Christian Church uses the Church calendar year to emphasize the ebb and flow of Christian life. It is a calendar that enables us to (at the same time) remember the past and the work of Jesus Christ even while we look forward to the future God has prepared for us.
The Church year itself begins with the season of Advent. Advent is a time in which we begin by looking forward to the twofold coming of Christ— back to His nativity 2000 some years ago, but also forward to coming again on the Last Day.
Advent then gives way to Christmas as we remember that birth of Christ. At Christmas, we remember the Word Made Flesh in order to offer Himself as the perfect Sacrifice for our sins on the Cross. As well, throughout the Christmas season we speak of the growing light of Christ who has come to shine in our dark world.
This theme of light anticipates the next season in the Church year, Epiphany, which begins with celebrating the arrival of the Magi to worship the newborn King. Here Christ reveals that He is the light to the enlighten the Gentiles. This means Jesus is for you and for me! The season is a progressive unveiling of the glory of God in the person of Christ.
Following the season of Lent (and for some, a short three-week season of Pre-Lent), the Church then moves into Lent. Lent is a journey of self-discipline and repentance for the Christian. During Lent we fast and we reflect on our sins and our need for a savior. Part and parcel of this journey is a remembrance of our Baptism, as we journey to where Christ's death and resurrection were applied to each of us individually and subjectively.
Easter is a remarkable contrast to the season of Lent which precedes it. It is the joyous proclamation that Christ has risen... and that because Christ has risen, I too will rise on the Last Day when Jesus returns. The message of Easter is also a message for right here and now— Christ IS risen! And Christ continues to give His present Body and Blood in the Lord's Supper for the forgiveness of sins. This proclamation of Christ is Risen is one that is at the heart of the Church's ongoing mission as it goes out into the world Baptizing and Teaching.
Finally we come to the Time of the Church, the season after Pentecost. It is sometimes called the season of growth, reflecting the new springtime that we see sprouting up all around us. Instead of focusing on the events in the life of our Savior Jesus, we focus more on the teaching that He gives us.
THE TIME OF CHRISTMAS
Advent Season
Christmas Season
• Christmas Eve
• The Nativity of Our Lord
Epiphany Season
• The Epiphany of Our Lord
• The Baptism of Our Lord
• The Transfiguration of Our Lord
THE TIME OF EASTER
Lenten Season
• Ash Wednesday
• Palm Sunday
• Holy (Maundy) Thursday
• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
Easter Season
• Easter Sunrise
• The Resurrection of Our Lord
• The Ascension of Our Lord
THE TIME OF THE CHURCH
• Day of Pentecost
• Sunday of the Holy Trinity
• Last Sunday in the Church Year
One traditional custom of the Church which we maintain in the Lutheran Church is the use of certain liturgical colors for different church seasons. The use of colors is a simple way to remind oneself of the different themes and emphases each season has, as well as providing variation in the way the sanctuary is decorated.
PURPLE
The color Purple is associated with subdued preparation and contemplation, repentance, and with the preparation for significant festivals. It is used during the Lenten Season.
RED
The color Red is to remind us of the Pentecostal fire (of the Holy Spirit) and of the martyrs' blood shed in spreading the Gospel and establishing the Church. This color is used for special occasions during the Church Year, such as the festivals of Pentecost or Reformation. It is also associated with the remembrance days for the apostles (Saints' Days). Further church festivals marked by the color red include the anniversary of the dedication of the church, the ordination or induction of a new pastor, and confirmation.
WHITE
The color White symbolizes light. It is used for the most important festival commemorating Jesus Christ, namely, the Christmas Season (from Christmas Eve to Epiphany), the Easter Season (from Easter until just before Pentecos), and Trinity Sunday. Furthermore, it is used on the last Sunday after Epiphany (the Transfiguration) and on the day of the Fulfillment. It can also be used for weddings.
GREEN
The color Green symbolizes life and growth. Thus it is used during the time of Epiphany and also for the season after Pentecost (the time of the church). This means that Green is used for the greater part of the Church Year (about two thirds of the year).
BLACK
The color Black is the symbol of mourning, death and darkness. It is used only on Good Friday, the day in which the light of the world went out. It heightens our sorrow and repentance and helps prepare us for the glorious brightness of Easter morning.
BLUE
The color Blue signifies hope. Though not used widely in the church, many Lutheran Churches have begun using blue during Advent (instead of purple), as a reminder of our expectant hope in the coming of our Lord the King.
GOLD
The color Gold is the color of magnificence, of kingly and triumphant splendor. This color is used only for the highest Christian festivals: it is used especially at Easter and the six days following Easter and replaces the traditional white.
