Are you slowing down yet? It is hard isn’t it?  

December is a crazy month for the Di Tomas. In addition to hunting for the perfect Christmas tree, decorating, sending Christmas cards, buying presents and such, we also have two birthdays and a Special Day to celebrate. What’s a Special Day? It is kind of like a birthday, but more on that some other time.  

As I said in my first post, we are taking time to unpack the meaning and significance of Advent for those who are unfamiliar with it. Last week I tried to answer the questions: What is Advent and what is Advent all about? This week, I want to look at the colors of Advent. 

The colors of Advent 

The color violet or purple has historically been the color of Advent. In some denominations, blue, which represents hope, is used as an alternative color to purple.  

Here is why violet or purple is used most often. Purple is the color of royalty. It is a symbol of  the sovereignty of Christ and a fitting color for celebrating the birth of King Jesus! Purple is also the color of suffering and it carries the promise of redemption. It is used during Lent and  Passion week in some churches. The color therefore ties together Jesus’ birth and His death. The incarnation cannot be separated from the crucifixion. Jesus came into the world to save  sinners. He was born to die. 

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. 

Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  

Purple also symbolizes prayer, repentance, and sacrifice. During Advent we prepare to joyfully  celebrate the birth of our savior, through self-examination and repentance. Some people even choose to fast. It is a time for us to give sacrificially to meet the needs of those less fortunate  than ourselves, which is fitting as we celebrate God’s gift to us in Christ and Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.  

Another color that is used at Advent is rose or pink. Now, I am not big on pink, but this color  has traditionally been used to represent joy as Christ birth approaches. Up until recently, it has been used on the 3rd Sunday in Advent. Now, many churches use the color on the 4th Sunday in Advent. Whether it is used on the 3rd or 4th Sunday, it represents a shift away from repentance to celebration.  

Although red and green are often used as part of church decorations they are not considered the colors of Advent. Having said that, green is understood to represent new and eternal life. White is the color of purity.  

Now that we understand the colors of Advent, next week we will look at the candles of Advent. Did I mention that I love candles? 

-Pastor Paul Di Toma