Colors have meaning in the church. Advent is often marked with purple, signifying royalty; in earlier times, purple often marked the coming of a king, or Caesar. Often, members of the royal family were the only people allowed to wear it. Many Christians celebrate advent by lighting a purple candle each week for the four weeks leading up to Christmas, and then lighting a “Christ candle” (usually white or red) on Christmas Eve.

Reflect: on how we use purple to remember that Jesus Christ is royalty. He is the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. He is Emmanuel, God with us. Worship him as the King today.