GPS-Purple

30 / Sunday Read Jeremiah 23:4-5 / John 18:36 / Mark 15:17-20

Overview: Why do we associate certain colors with Christmastime–red and green, silver and gold, blue, white, and purple? Besides just looking great on decorations, each color has a meaning that points to a crucial part of the Messiah’s birth story. Like the color purple, which stands for royalty.

DEC 01 / Mon – All the colors of the rainbow  |  Read Genesis 1:3-4 / Genesis 9:12-17

Christmas can be one of the most beautiful times of the year with colored lights decorating trees, homes, stores, and other buildings. Bright colors can bring joy and represent beauty and hope. Have you ever stopped to consider where colors come from? Isaac Newton demonstrated scientifically that white light contains every single color, except black (which is the absence of light). It was the first thing God created. Later, He gave the rainbow to Noah as a symbol of the promise He made to all living things. How has God used different colors to bless your life?

02 / Tue – Royal robes  |  Read John 19:1-3 / Revelation 19:11-16

In ancient days, people made colored dyes from things in nature, such as bark, plants, minerals, and sea snails. Purple dye was one of the most difficult to produce. It was so rare that it was reserved for kings and became associated with royalty. Before his death, soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe and a crown of thorns and bowed in mock worship. Jesus is THE King of kings, and his kingdom will last forever. He is truly worthy to wear the purple robes of royalty and deserves all of your praise and loyalty. How will you honor him today as your King?

03 / Wed – His kingdom  |  Read Psalm 145:13 / Colossians 1:12-14

If you know anything about history, you know that no king, ruler, president, despot, or dictator will rule forever. Nations rise and fall. Wise leaders build for the good future of their kingdom. That is what Jesus did while he was on earth. Repeatedly, he told those who wanted to crown him in that moment that his kingdom was not of this earth. How does this truth bring hope and even joy when you see the chaos around you? Will you thank him for qualifying you for this kingdom?

04 / Thu – Kingdom subjects  |  Read 1 Thess 2:12 / Col 1:9-11 / Eph 4:1 / Titus 2:14

You do not belong in this world once you have been born into God’s kingdom as His child. Have you ever considered what it means to ‘walk worthy’ of Him? Paul repeatedly told the believers it was important to live in a way that was worthy of the position God had raised them up to be in. Not as an I’m-better-than-you-sinners person, but to serve and love and live as Jesus did. What does it mean for you to live that way every day in every situation? Will you make that your goal?

05 / Fri – Kingdom ambassadors  |  Read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 / Philippians 2:21

A ruler or leader sends ambassadors to other countries to represent them. They carry his messages, act under his authority, and foster understanding of his country’s values and goals. They are also expected to avoid doing anything that will bring shame on the one they represent. When Paul tells the Christ followers that they are His ambassadors, it is a serious responsibility. How might this understanding affect the way you live, dress, speak, act, and treat others?

06 / Sat – A final thought  |  Read Exodus 25:1-9 / Exodus 3:20-22 / Exodus 11:1-3

Moses and his team followed the Lord’s detailed instructions when creating the tabernacle in the wilderness. Purple, scarlet, and blue were the prevailing fabric colors. Where did these newly-freed slaves get such rare things to offer for the tabernacle? From their enemies. You are the dwelling place for the Spirit of God. How have the sufferings in your life, whether from your Enemy or the people he uses, been recreated into something beautiful that honors the Lord? Does your inward character show on your outside? May it always be so.