I would like to tell you of my favorite color, RED. You may have a different color in mind. Maybe you chose that color based the clothes you look best in, or perhaps a color that reminds of you of a favorite flower. I would like you to take a moment and consider adopting my color, RED as part of your Christmas tradition. One that will carry on throughout the year.
The Christmas legend of the candy cane maintains that an American confectionare modified the European white candy cane. He added RED twisted stripes, kept the shape of shepherd’s hook, and gave us children’s cavities. The idea caught on and to this day we explain the white candy as representing Jesus’ sinless nature. The RED stripes represent the lashes that He suffered before the Cross.
The RED poinsettia leaves have equally strong ties to our modern Christmas celebrations. It is associated with saintly miracles in Mexico and imported by the American ambassador to Mexico. He probably couldn’t get it past TSA customs today.
Germans dress their Saint Nicholas with a RED coat trimmed in white. It was a little cold outside for lederhosen. Coca Cola advertisements gave our Santa Clause a RED nose. Gene Autrey made Rudolph the RED Nosed Reindeer an American icon. Someone, please explain how a cowboy singer hit the charts with this one.
RED stockings are nailed to fake mantles pieces everywhere to attract small presents, and in WHOVILLE, the Grinch empties them out, steals the tree and devours purloined cookies. All accompanied by depreciating music and berated by Boris Karloff.
These RED items never fail to evoke a warm feeling during the Advent Season. They are part of traditions we hold fast. I would like to add some other RED items our list. Things that extend beyond the holiday seasons. Things that appear to us daily. Things to remind us of Jesus and his gift of life to us. There are lots of everyday things that could and should trigger memories of God’s love for us. Just as the aroma of vanilla triggers memories of Grandma’s baked treats, RED should trigger the thought of Jesus in our everyday activities.
RED lights wink at us from traffic signals and taillights of panicked Smart Cars.
RED stop signs control the chaos at intersections and confuse student drivers in real estate TV commercials.
RED was the blood of the ancient Hebrew ritual animal sacrifice to God to cover their sins.
RED was the lamb’s blood, brushed across the doorway of the Hebrews’ Egyptian homes to ward off God’s plague.
RED was the precious blood Jesus shed for us.
At Christmas time, we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we also honor that his mission on Earth, to be the ultimate and final sacrifice, redeeming us. RED is my favorite color. How about yours?
By ED PECK – Special to the Herald times
