Advent: Blue

 When one says they are "feeling blue," we know what they mean. They are feeling sad. The saying dates back to the 17th century. Sadness or melancholy are universal feelings and for some reason is associated with the color blue. But, blue is also a color associated with the sky and sea, open spaces, and hope. In other places the color blue is associated with healing, spirituality, calmness, and faith. What does the color blue conjure for you?

Several decades ago the liturgical season was changed from a time of penance, associated with the color purple, to a time of hope, associated with the color blue.  So we light blue candles on our Advent Wreath, hang blue banners in the sanctuary and your pastor wears a blue stole, all to signify the season at hand. 

The news of the world this day seems to be only about war and disaster. I wonder if maybe we should go back to the color purple, maybe we should spend time in penance. Then I remember Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she teaches us what it means to birth hope into a world of violence and hatred. She sings:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. 

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with his arm; 

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 

he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 

according to the promise he made to our ancestors, 

to Abraham and to his descendants forever." (Luke 1:46-56)

It is because of this song of hope that Mary is often painted wearing blue. Also, we often see her with a look of wonder. We would do well to listen to her and the word of truth she speaks. This world may seem like it is without hope, but God, our God, has promised us healing and peace. Elsewhere we hear her words echoed:

"See, the home of God is among mortals. God will dwell with them; they will be God's peoples, and God's self will be with them; God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

Deep blue reminds us of the predawn sky, when it seams the whole world is holding its breath for the coming of the sun.  This Advent season let us live into these words of hope and envelop ourselves in the color of the season as we wait for our God to come again to wipe away our tears.