THE ADVENT – COLOURS OF CHRISTMAS – GREEN

The birth of Jesus is truly good news of great joy!!! It gives a sure hope, and a bright future to those, who were both, hopeless and helpless. This one reason is enough to thank, praise and worship God all our lives, even if there is nothing else added to us. All glory to God for being gracious towards us!!!

We are meditating on the colours, one normally use for Christmas. Yesterday, we saw the significance of the colour blue. Today let us contemplate on the colour green. 

Green has such positive outlook to it, and it is not too difficult to grasp. We, very much use it our normal conversations. However, green that we are talking about here, is not about ‘Green with envy.’ Envy is not good, and it is absolutely unhealthy for anyone, more so, for a Christian. 

Let us begin on the humorous side. As a child, I was advised so many times, to look at anything green, while taking an injection from the doctor. It did work!!! I guess, it was more a diversionary help, for a child, to overcome any fear of the injection. Great psychological trick.

Green is most commonly associated with peace, prosperity, progress, fruitfulness, growth, life, new beginning, flourishing, renewal, new life and restoration. There is some kind of refreshing feeling in the mind, when we look at the natural greenery around us. It kind of soothes us. There is a certain tranquility, when we are in the midst of natural greenery – be it in the fields, or the forest.

Let us see how the Bible uses this colour, in relation to God’s people trusting God and obeying Him. “8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:8
“​1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” – Psalms 23:1-3

Another expression that we use is ‘Ever green’ – that which stays constant, consistent and popular, forever. Isn’t that wonderful? God and His goodness never go out of fashion. Faith in Jesus, despite all its ups and downs, is ever green. Let us then, as we think about the colour green, thank God for His unfailing love and grace, which is constant and consistent. Let us be thankful to God, for all His provision. Let us be grateful for His mercy, and His concern for our progress, and our growth.