Havelock United Methodist Church

Main Navigation

Sub Navigation

Lent

The Color Purple

The primary color for Lent is purple or dark violet. These colors symbolize both the pain and suffering leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus as well as the suffering of humanity and the world under sin.

Purple is also the color of royalty. This stands for the coming resurrection and hope of newness that will be celebrated in the resurrection of Easter.

Crown of Thorns

The "crown of thorns" signifies the pain, suffering, abuse and the cruel manner in which Jesus was treated by soldiers, as well as the disbelief of many who did not accept him as God's son. Jesus was literally tortured by the soldiers, they scorned him, and they used physical abuse toward him, hitting him about the head with clubs and sticks causing the thorns to press deeper into the scalp.

Dice

While Jesus was dying on the cross, the four soldiers who were in charge of his crucifixion began dividing up his clothing. When they came to his robe, they found that it had no seam. Not wanting to tear it, they decided to throw the dice with the winner to get Jesus' robe.

Rooster

In Chistian symbolism, the Rooster is a familiar Passion symbol. Prior to being arrested by the soldiers, Jesus correctly predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed on the following morning. At the rooster's crowing, Peter remembered Jesus' words and "went out and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:25; see also Matthew 26:34-75; Mark 14:30-72; Luke 22:34-61 and John 13:38-18:27). The rooster represents Peter's denial of Christ and also stands for his remorse and repentance upon hearing the rooster's crow. Because Peter later became the leader of the early Church, the rooster represents vigilance.

The Pitcher and Basin

The Gospel writer, John, tells a lovely story about the evening of the last supper. After eating, Jesus tied a towel around his waist. He poured water from a pitcher into a basin. Then, he began washing the disciples' feet. Hesus was their master, but he was performing the task of a slave! It didn't seem right for him to do this. So Peter said, " You'll never wash my feet!" But Jesus insisted, and Peter let him. Afterward, Jesus told them he washed their feet to teach them a lesson. No one should fail to do the lowliest tasks for people in need. The Basin and Pitcher as symbols of humility come from this story.

The Lamb

The lamb represents Jesus and relates to His death to theat of the lamb sacrificed on the first Passover. Christians traditionally refer to Jesus as "the Lamb of God." Many people serve lamb as part of the Easter feast. John the Baptist described Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The passover lamb (Exodus 12) foreshadowed Jesus' sacrifice.

Palm Sunday

Pasion Sunday, commonly referred to as Palm Sunday, begins the holiest week in the liturgical calendar. The Church's celebration on this day is drawn from the Gospels' description of Jesus' welcome into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. Palm trees, which are plentiful in the Mediterranean region, provided the people with large branches that were used for roofing, as fans, and to wave in honor of an important person. Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem as a king of the Jews. Many thought him to be an earthly king, sent by God to free them from the occupying Roman army. They did not understand that Jesus is not an earthly king; instead Jesus is King of God's kingdom, both here and in heaven. Palm branches sighified joy and victory over enemies and are symbols of welcome, public homage and journeys end.

The Last Supper

Jesus's last week on earth is described in great detail in all four Gospels. The week starts with the anointing at Bethany where Lazarus, Mary and Martha entertain him at their home and Mary anoints his body with expensive perfume. Jesus later washes the disciple's feet before the Last Supper where he predicts Judas' betrayal. This is a time of intense teaching for the Disciples and some of the most beautiful messages of Jesus are saved for these intimate encounters with the twelve. After the Last Supper, Jesus agonizes alone in the garden over his fate. After his prayers, Judas shows up with a mob and the Lord is arrested. He is tried, crucified, dies on a cross and rises from the dead on the third day.

The Bread, Cup and Grapes

...symbolize Christ's body and blood.

The Last Supper, the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or the Greek word, Eucharist, mean thanksgiving. Christians are thankful for what Good did for them in Jesus Christ.