Liturgical Colors

We have entered Advent of the Church Year. Advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ (Christmas) and looks forward to the future reign of Christ. Eschatological (the future coming of Christ) expectation rather than personal penitence is the central theme of the season. Advent is a preparation for, rather than a celebration of, Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent (last Sunday) is not the beginning of the Christmas season. The Christmas celebration begins on Christmas Eve and continues for the next "twelve days of Christmas" (I hate that song).

The Liturgical colors express emotions and ideas that are associated with each of the seasons of the Liturgical Year. Violet is the ancient royal color and is Advent's Liturgical color, associated both with the sovereignty of Christ and with repentance from sin. White and Gold symbolize the brightness of day and is used during Christmas and Easter. Black is the traditional color of mourning and is used at funerals and on Good Friday. Red evokes the color of blood, and therefore is the color of martyrs and of Christ's death on the Cross. Red also symbolizes fire, and therefore is the color of the Holy Spirit used during Pentecost. Green is the color of growth and is used during summer and fall.

The use of colors to differentiate Liturgical seasons became a common practice in the Western church in about the fourth Century. The Lutheran and Anglican churches that emerged from the Reformation (1517-1648) retained the traditional colors. They disappeared entirely (along with most other rituals) from the worship of the Reformed Churches. During the 20th century, the ecumenical Liturgical Movement prompted the rediscovery of ancient Christian ritual--including the traditional colors of the Western church.

Advent in preparation for Christmas was special to me spiritually as a child growing up similar to the way Passion Week prepared me for Easter. As a child I noticed the color changes. In fact, that is how I followed the school year. Green meant that summer was over and school was just beginning. Violet meant Christmas was right around the corner. White meant it was time for toys. My Greek friend always made me jealous since they celebrated Epiphany in January. That meant green reappeared until Ash Wednesday when the Lenten season and violet returned again until Good Friday when black was used. When red reappeared I knew Pentecost was here and school was nearly over. Green ushered in summer break.

The Liturgical Church Year is something we do not emphasize at Glasgow Church. The reason - we just never did! Our feeble effort at Liturgical symbolism is that we change the vestments on the Communion table to reflect the changes in the Church Year. Perhaps we should revisit the Liturgical Church Year. What do you think?

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

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