The Christian Year
The Christian year is the Church's way of following God's revelation through the life of Jesus Christ. It gives Christians an insight into the Word of God, and an opportunity to respond to it. As the seasons unfold, beginning with Advent, the pattern of Christ's life appears.
Advent
Begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas, and ends on Christmas Eve. It is the season of confession, preparation and anticipation of Christ's birth.
Color: Purple for penitence (or blue).
Christmastide
Begins on Christmas Day and continues for 12 days. It is the season of incarnation as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Color: White for joy and purity
Epiphany
Begins on January 6th (Epiphany Day) and continues until Lent. It is time for dedication.
Color: Green for new life. Epiphany Day is white.
Lent
Begins on Ash Wednesday and is 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). It is a season of penitence and self-discipline, which helps us to prepare for the festival of Easter.
Color: Purple for penitence.
Easter
Begins on Easter Sunday and continues for 6 Sundays after Easter. It is a season of celebration of God's victory over sin and death through God's gift of atonement and forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
Color: White for joy and victory.
Pentecost
It begins on the 7th Sunday after Easter and continues to the last Sunday in August. It is a season of God's gift of the Holy Spirit.
Color: Red for the blood of the martyrs and for the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Kingdomtide
Begins on the last Sunday of August and continues until Advent. It is a season of God the Father, directing attention to God as Creator.
Color: Green for new life and growth.
Begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas, and ends on Christmas Eve. It is the season of confession, preparation and anticipation of Christ's birth.
Color: Purple for penitence (or blue).
Christmastide
Begins on Christmas Day and continues for 12 days. It is the season of incarnation as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Color: White for joy and purity
Epiphany
Begins on January 6th (Epiphany Day) and continues until Lent. It is time for dedication.
Color: Green for new life. Epiphany Day is white.
Lent
Begins on Ash Wednesday and is 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). It is a season of penitence and self-discipline, which helps us to prepare for the festival of Easter.
Color: Purple for penitence.
Easter
Begins on Easter Sunday and continues for 6 Sundays after Easter. It is a season of celebration of God's victory over sin and death through God's gift of atonement and forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
Color: White for joy and victory.
Pentecost
It begins on the 7th Sunday after Easter and continues to the last Sunday in August. It is a season of God's gift of the Holy Spirit.
Color: Red for the blood of the martyrs and for the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Kingdomtide
Begins on the last Sunday of August and continues until Advent. It is a season of God the Father, directing attention to God as Creator.
Color: Green for new life and growth.