Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church

Liturgical Colors

Each season or special day has a certain color. Most of these colors were in use in the church by the 13-14TH century. Color, like music, plays an important role in worship. Liturgical color complements the message of the seasons during the church year and aids in establishing a climate in which the Law and the Gospel may be heard.

We use these colors in the paraments (cloth hangings) on the altar and pulpit and in the stole (the long narrow band which the pastor wears around his neck). However, color can easily be taken for granted or mistaken in its purpose. The colors must be seen as more than decoration. The thing to remember is that we use color to serve God's worshipping community by assisting in communicating the holy faith from generation to generation.

BLUE is used at Advent and communicates a message of hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ, who came in history assumed our flesh, will return on the last day from that same blue sky into which He ascended long ago.

GREEN is the color of growth and is used during the seasons of Epiphany and Pentecost and the three Sundays before Lent. It is the appointed color for Epiphany's message of Christ's revelation to the Gentiles and growing His kingdom through missions. The Sundays following Pentecost emphasize our need to grow and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ.

BLACK is used only twice: on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. There's no mistaking the message that this sober color gives; it is the universal emblem of mourning, signifies the sorrow of death, and the somberness of the tomb.

GOLD is the optional color for Easter Sunday. It is also suggested for the last Sunday of the church year - Christ the King Sunday. It represents value. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives our lives meaning and worth.

SCARLET is called for during the Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday. It is associated with the passion -- the color of blood.

PURPLE is a penitential color and the color of royalty. It is used during the Lent and, in some churches, during Advent. This deep rich color represents somberness, penitence, and prayer.

WHITE is the color of purity, light, and completeness. Used during the 50 days of Easter, Christmas and its 12 days, Ascension Day, Christ the King Sunday, Transfiguration Sunday, and Trinity Sunday. It bears the message that "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow." His purity before His Father becomes our purity.

RED is a power color; it is the color of fire, bloodshed, praise and thanksgiving. It is appropriate for Pentecost Sunday when we remember the power and fire of "the Lord and Giver of Life," who revealed Himself as the Promised One. It is also used on Reformation Day, Thanksgiving, and the days of the evangelists, the martyrs and the apostles, except John, whose color is white. It is also used on church anniversaries and dedications.