Good Friday

What do Christians believe is special about Good Friday?

Good Friday is a day when Christians remember in a special way what Jesus did for them. It is the day that Christians remember God allowing Jesus, his perfect son, to take the world's sin onto Himself and take the punishment for it by being crucified. This meant that Jesus was then separated from God because God cannot keep company with sin. However, this is not the end of the story as on Easter Day Jesus rose from death proving that God had overcome sin and death

Christians believe that when Jesus died He took the punishment for all of their individual sins. This means that Christians are acceptable to God because they can be forgiven and so God can keep company with them. Christians believe that they will spend their time after their death in God's company, in Heaven..

How is Good Friday celebrated?

Good Friday is a time of sadness and thankfulness. Some Christians will fast on Good Friday. This could mean missing one or more meals or avoiding some kinds of foods. This helps them remember the sacrifice Jesus made for them on the day of crucifixion. It is a special time of asking for forgiveness.

Many churches will hold a special service on Good Friday. This may be a communion service in the evening or a time of prayer during the day, especially around 3 o'clock as that is about the time of day when Jesus died. Some people will join processions around towns where the story of Jesus' journey to the cross is acted out or read. In some churches pictures and statues are covered over and there will be no flowers or any other decoration. The Priest will wear black. It is seen as a time of mourning.