NOTE: Taken from FAQ – Revised Common Lectionary
- Advent – The Season of Expectation – Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas Day, the season of Advent is a time when the Church looks toward the second coming of Jesus and the eternal hope of Christians in the end of time. The color for this season is either Purple (for royalty) or Blue (for the Virgin Mary).
- Christmas – The Season of Incarnation – For 12 days, from Christmas Day (December 25) through Epiphany (January 6) (inclusive) the Church celebrates the miraculous incarnation of God in the person of Jesus. The color for this season is White.
- Epiphany – This season connects with the Christmas season as a time of beginnings. Beginning with the visit of the Wise Ones, the season includes the baptism of Jesus, the presentation in the temple, the miracle at Cana, and the Transfiguration. The season’s color is Green, with the special days using White for their celebration.
- Lent – The Season of Reflection – For forty days (not including Sundays) prior to Easter Sunday the Church reflects on the suffering of Jesus. Together, we approach the cross. Worship during this period is traditionally more subdued and penitential. Many people also fast during the season of Lent. The color for this season is Purple.
- Holy Week – The final week of Lent is called “Holy Week.” Often churches that do not typically meet for daily worship will meet every day of Holy Week. At the minimum, they will worship on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The color for Holy Week remains Purple, although some churches use Red on Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. Some churches also use Black on Good Friday.
- Easter – The Season of Resurrection – For fifty days beginning on Easter Sunday Christians celebrate the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus and the certain hope their own resurrection. The color for Easter is White. This season ends on the Sunday of Pentecost, for which the color is Red.
- Ordinary Time – The Season of Nurture and Growth – The periods of time following Epiphany and Pentecost are referred to as “Ordinary” because their Sundays are numbered in ordinal fashion. The focus of Ordinary Time is on developing a deeper understanding of Christian discipleship. The color for this season is Green (for growth).
