THE SHAPE OF THE CHRISTIAN YEAR
The Liturgical Year
Christians keep time differently. The year is not only January to December — it is also Advent to Christ the King, the long story of our redemption told one season at a time.
Seasons
Advent
11-30 — 12-24
expectant, hopeful, waiting
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light."
— Isaiah 9:2 (KJV)
Christmastide
12-25 — 01-05
joyful, family, light
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
— Luke 2:11 (KJV)
Epiphany
01-06 — until-lent
revelation, mission, light to the nations
"They presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
— Matthew 2:11 (KJV)
Lent
40 days
repentance, fasting, preparation
"Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God."
— Joel 2:13 (KJV)
Holy Week
Palm Sunday — Holy Saturday
"With his stripes we are healed."
— Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
Eastertide
50 days
resurrection, joy, victory
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said."
— Matthew 28:6 (KJV)
Pentecost
50th day after Easter —
Spirit, mission, fire
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire."
— Acts 2:3 (KJV)
Ordinary Time (Trinity Season)
Trinity Sunday — Advent
growth, discipleship, the steady years
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
— Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Major Feasts
The Liturgical Colors
White
Joy, purity, resurrection, divinity, glory. Used at the highest feasts of Christ and Mary.
Gold
The light of the resurrection. Used for the greatest feasts.
Red
Fire of the Spirit, blood of the martyrs, love. Used at Pentecost and on the feasts of apostles and martyrs.
Purple
Royalty, repentance, preparation. Used in Advent and Lent.
Green
Growth, hope, the long fields of discipleship. Used in Ordinary Time.
Rose
A softening of purple — joy peeking through. Used on Gaudete (Advent 3) and Laetare (Lent 4) Sundays.
Black
Mourning. Used in some traditions on Good Friday and All Souls.