The colors of red and green also have intriguing biblical relevance, particularly in so far as they represent life. Throughout the Bible, the color red has a strong association with life and blood. Interestingly, the first human life in all creation was a man named “Adam.” The name in Hebrew can be translated as “man” or “red.” This man was created as the first of all human life on earth, but he also became the first to bring death to humanity. When Adam and his wife Eve first sinned against God by eating of the forbidden fruit, they brought death into the world. Since man was the source of death, man would also have to be the solution in overcoming it. Herein lies the dilemma; only God himself could conquer death, and God was not a man. Human blood was required to reverse the consequence of human sin. For this reason, and beyond all comprehension, God chose to become a man.n regard to the color green, it is used frequently throughout the Bible to describe living things in nature: leaves, grass, pastures, plants and trees. Yet, just as sin brought death into the world for man, it brought death and decay to all of nature. The course of nature follows the course of man. After time, all living things wither and die. However, Jesus came to redeem man back to life, and he will do the same for creation.
Read:Behind The Hymn: God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
Santa Claus
Santa Claus really is a real person. His name is St Nicholas! Nicholas was born in the 3rd century to wealthy Christian parents in Patara (a harbor city in modern day Turkey). It is probable that Nicholas and his parents could trace their spiritual heritage to the Apostle Paul, who stopped in Patara on his third missionary journey 200 years earlier. It is said that Nicholas’ parents were devout believers who had long prayed for a child. When Nicholas was finally born, they devoted him to God. As an only child, he was raised with great affection and special attention. However, when Nicholas was still a young boy (likely a teenager), a plague struck his city, and both of his parents died. Though a loss like this might turn some away from God, it seems to have drawn Nicholas closer to him. The loss of his parent’s also seems to have made the boy’s heart tender to the suffering of others. Nicholas was left with a large inheritance and decided that he would use it to honor God. He developed such a good reputation in his region that he was chosen as Archbishop of Myra (a harbor city just south and east of Patara) when he was in his early 20s, an indication that he must have demonstrated wisdom and maturity beyond his years.
During his service as Archbishop, a violent persecution of Christians began. Nicholas was almost certainly imprisoned during this time and was likely tortured for his faith. The persecution that began during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian was carried on by his successor, Galerius, for a total of eight long years. Christian leaders who endured this period of persecution earned a tremendous amount of admiration from believers and pagans alike. Had anyone questioned Nicholas’ young age at his appointment as Archbishop, they would no longer express concern. Years of suffering for his faith had most certainly deepened his godly character in a manner worthy of respect. There are an overwhelming number of stories regarding Nicholas’ generosity and even miracles. After his death on December 6, a tradition of gift giving was begun in his honor.
4 Christmas Symbols & Their Meanings was originally published on elev8.com
