Christ is Risen!

Spring congregation

When you walked into the Spring Congregation sanctuary beginning Feb 22—the first Sunday of Lent—you may notice a purple cloth draped over the small cross placed to the left of the altar. This cloth will remain there for the six Sundays preceding Easter.

SW congregation

Since our congregation currently meets at a Hotel, you won't be able to view a draped cloth on an altar cross during Divine Services, but you can see them in front of many Christian churches around the Houston area.

What does the draping of the cloth signify?

The tradition of draping the cross—often associated with the "Stations of the Cross"—is a symbolic Christian practice dating back hundreds of years. In the Spring Congregation, we are draping a small cross because it provides a powerful visual way to reflect on the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

What do the colors mean?

There are typically three colors used in this tradition: purple, black, and white.

Purple: Represents Christ’s royalty. It reminds us that Jesus is our King and Savior, and that we are mortals saved only by His grace and mercy. The purple cloth is draped on a cross during Lent (Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday).

Black: Represents the mockery, suffering, crucifixion, and death of Christ. This cloth is draped on a cross starting Good Friday through Holy Saturday—the time period Jesus lay in the tomb.

White: Represents the Resurrection. The white cloth is draped on the cross staring Easter Sunday and remains there through Ascension Day.

As you observe the changing colors on the cross, take a moment to meditate on the miracle of salvation. "Christ is risen" is the central proclamation of Christianity. It declares that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead, signaling the ultimate victory of life over death—offering us the gift of eternal life.