We change the colors of the cloths at the front of the sanctuary throughout the year to represent the different days and seasons observed in Christianity, also called the Liturgical Year. The year begins with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas. The main colors for Advent are blue and purple, symbolizing royalty. At Christmas, the color white symbolizes the purity of Christ. There are really twelve days of Christmas in the church year, followed by the season of Epiphany, which begins in early January. During this season, we focus on Jesus’ life among us, and how we are called to follow and grow in Christ. We symbolize that growth with the color green. The season of Epiphany is followed by Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday and leads us to Easter. During Lent, the color purple signifies humility, as we are called to reflect inwardly and prepare our hearts for resurrection life. On Easter Sunday we turn to white, once again symbolizing Christ’s purity. We continue this color until Pentecost (fifty days after Easter), when red symbolizes the fire of God’s Holy Spirit at work in our lives. After Pentecost, we turn once again to green and focus on our work as Christ’s servants in the world. The colors change to white for All Saints Day (typically celebrated on the first Sunday in November), and for other special services throughout the year. You will also notice special banners and other visuals around the church and Sanctuary used to celebrate the seasons. These are all rich with symbols and meaning, helping to reinforce and deepen the message of the season and that of Christ’s love for us in general.