The Paraments

The colored cloths on the communion table, pulpit and lectern as well as the stoles worn by the pastors are called paraments. The pastoral stole is a stylized rendition of the towel Jesus used to wash the disciples feet in John 13. It is also a symbol of the yoke that work animals like oxen used to pull wagons. It recalls Jesus words in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” It is a reminder that the pastor is God’s servant for the congregation. A small cross is usually on the back of the stole, close to the pastor’s mind and voice as a sign of preaching the Gospel of Jesus. The colors change with the seasons of the church year and the designs incorporate many symbols.

Colors of Paraments for the Seasons of the Church Year

Advent: the four Sundays before Christmas
Purple – anticipating the birth of Jesus Christ, the heir to King David.

Candles on the Advent paraments match the lighting of a new candle on the Advent Wreath each Sunday. The star recalls the angels that announced Jesus’ birth at night and the star that led the Magi to Jesus.

Christmas: Twelve Days plus Epiphany on January 6
White – celebrating the birth of Jesus

Lent: 40 weekdays and 6 between Ash Wednesday and Easter
Purple – repentance and remembering the death of Jesus

The crown of thorns and nails are associated with the cross and Jesus crucifixion. The letters INRI on the stole are from Latin for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” which was the sign Pilate hung over Jesus on the cross (John 19:19, also Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38).

Easter: Fifty Great Days
White – celebrating the resurrection of Jesus (also used for weddings and funerals and some special festivals)

The shepherd’s staff or crook on the white stole is a sign that the pastor is called to be a shepherd of the flock that is the people of the congregation.

Ordinary Time – Sundays between Epiphany and Lent and after Pentecost
Green – celebrating the growth and life of the Church

The founding of Central Christian Church in 1863 is commemorated with “CCC”

Pentecost: 50th Day after Easter
Red – the fire of the Holy Spirit

Also used for ordinations and special days of the Holy Spirit’s renewal of the Church, such as Reformation Sunday (the first Sunday in November).

Jump to Detail Pages

The Cross and Crown
Other Crosses in Our Sanctuary
The Rose Window
The Chancel
Lamb Carving on the Communion Table
The Christ Candle
The Paraments
Lord's Supper Themes
The Lord's Table
Abbreviation of the Name of Jesus
Chi Rho Symbols
Alpha Omega Symbols
Dove Symbols
Fleur-de-Lis Symbols
Rose of Sharon Symbols
Celestial Windows