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Liturgical Seasons
The liturgical calendar is the foundation for Christian worship;
that is, the re-living of the life of Jesus Christ and the events of the church
and its founding. It is imperative from a teaching perspective for people to know the exact time of the seasons we are worshipping because in our liturgy and worship we sing about it, read about it, and preachers ought to craft their sermons about it. The Christian Calendar and Liturgical Seasons for Year A, 2007, beginning with Advent in 2007. 1. The Season of Advent
(December 2-23, 2007 2. The Season of
Christmas (December 25, 2006-January 5, 2007) 3. The Season of Epiphany
(January 6-February 3, 2008) 4. The Season of Lent
(February 6-March 9, 2008 5. Holy Week
(March 16-21, 2008 including Palm/Passion Sunday) 6. The Season of Easter
(March 23-May 11, 2008) 7. Ordinary Time/Season
after Pentecost (May 18-Noverber 23 2008 Liturgical Colors Colors are a
primary source of symbolism, and as such tell us much about what we believe
about the lessons we hear during the Liturgy of the Word which are themed
according to the seasons, and about what we do during worship. 1. White traditionally and universally symbolizes purity, light, joy, glory, victory, celebration, and is used during Christmastide, Epiphany, Eastertide, and on Trinity; also may be used for weddings, baptisms, and Holy Communion.
2. Red is the color of blood and fire, symbolizing the sacrifice of our Lord, zeal and warmth of devotion. It is used for Pentecost and on occasions for emphasizing the church in mission, ordination, consecration, confirmation, and for non-liturgical days such as Thanksgiving, ground breaking, Founders' Day, and church anniversaries. 3. Blue symbolizes eternity and God's spacious firmament. 4. Green symbolizes growth, the growth of the believer in the Christian faith and is used during Pentecost and Epiphany. 5. Purple symbolizes dignity, royalty and repentance, and is used during seasons of preparation such as Advent, Lent and Maundy Thursday, except when the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is being celebrated white is used. 6. Black symbolizes despair and mourning. Black is frequently used for funerals, but is increasingly being replaced by white to focus on the Christian faith and hope in the Resurrection which is a reason for joy. Black is used on Good Friday. The purpose for these colors is to offer a corrective to the present practice where so many pastors and churches use liturgical colors indiscriminately. By learning that paraments are not primarily decorative, but have a deep liturgical significance, pastors and people may be motivated to develop a greater sense of awareness regarding the use of liturgical colors. The pastors and leaders who learn can in turn train the stewardesses and other persons responsible for planning and preparing the place of worship. Liturgical Symbols Experience has shown that many pastors and people fail to recollect the meaning of particular symbols because of the lack of use. The paraments or the hangings on pulpits and lecterns or stoles used by clergy display these symbols and can be used as teaching tools. These symbols can be used with appropriate liturgical words such as Alleluia, the fruit of the Spirit, love, peace, and joy for each liturgical season. See Attachment A to view each symbol. 1. The Fish: A symbol in the early church used by Christians to identify one another. Ichthus (Greek) from an acrostic, the initials of 5 words: Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior. 2. The Chi Rho: Christ. In A.D. 312 Constantine dreamed he saw the chi rho symbol in the sky. He considered it a revelation and carried the sign of Christ on his banner as he declared the Roman Empire Christian. 3. A Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1a), A Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1 b), and the Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16): These are metaphors used frequently in preaching. 4. The Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet used to represent our Lord (Revelation 22:13): Also very popular in preaching. 5. The Beehive: A contemporary liturgical symbol for the Christian church as a community of those who work together for the benefit of all. Synergy. 6. The Descending Dove: Represents the Holy Spirit at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16). 7. The Shell with Drops of Water: Symbolizes baptism. 8. The Lamb Standing with the Banner: Symbolizes the victorious nature of Christ's suffering (Revelation 17:14). 9. The Butterfly: The butterfly, leaving its dark cocoon, emerges with wings free for flight, thus representing the resurrection. 10. The Orb with Cross: "Go ye into the entire world" as Christ enjoined His followers; the orb is the world standing under the cross. 11. The Anchor: Symbolizes hope. 12. The Cross and Crown: "Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10c). 13. The Triangle: Three equal parts represent the Trinity God the Creator, God the Redeemer, and God the Sanctifier. 14. The Celtic cross: A Circle symbolizing eternity. 15. The Scales of Justice: Liberty, freedom, and justice for all. 16. The Budded Cross: Symbolic of the life of the Trinity; has trefoil ends. Let us now turn our attention to the pulpit and the use of liturgical seasons and colors to assist in maintaining a decorum and presence worthy of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
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