Why do we drape the cross?

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Three different colors of fabric are used in draping the cross during the Easter season: purple, black, and white. This Christian tradition commemorates important events in the life of Jesus beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through His Ascension to Heaven.  

On Palm Sunday, the cross should be draped in purple fabric, which represents Jesus' royalty. It signifies the importance of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem as King. Yes, Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews, but He is much more than that. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. (I Timothy 6:15)

On Good Friday, the cross should be draped in black fabric, representing the death of Jesus Christ as full payment for the sins of all mankind. (2 Corinthians 5:15)

On Easter Sunday, the cross should be draped in white, which represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The white fabric should remain on the cross from Easter Sunday until Ascension Day, which occurs 39 days after Easter Sunday. Hallelujah, Jesus is risen from the dead and He is alive forevermore. Amen, and amen! (John 2:19-22, John 20:1-18) 

The empty cross is a reminder to all the world that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).