THE ADVENT – COLOURS OF CHRISTMAS – RED

Red is one of the bold colours in the spectrum. It has a powerful presence to it. No wonder, the traffic signals use the colour red, to indicate a complete halt of all vehicles. Red is also one of the favourite dress colours.

Red has its ow set of idiomatic expressions in English language – ‘It is surely a red signal,’ ‘He flagged it red,’ ‘Do not cross that red line,’ and ‘He is red with anger.’ Red is also a sign for blood, and blood is the source of life.

When we look in the Bible, the colour red is normally used in the context of sin, blood, and sacrifice. It is used to express, both the sin, and the redemption of the sinner, through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

The following Scriptures will help us understand – “18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” “28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 26:28

The colour red should remind us always of our rebellion, and our sin. The colour red should always remind us of the redemption made available to us by the suffering, and the sacrifice, of our Redeemer. The colour red should always remind us of the cost for our redemption, which our LORD had paid, on the cross of Calvary.

May the LORD help us to love Him, and obey Him, as long as He grants us grace to live in this world, and bring glory and honour to His name.