Why Is Advent Turning Blue?

Many people in our church are asking why we have new blue paraments for the season of Advent. In past years, we have used purple paraments to drape over our pulpit, lectern, and altar.

Some might be wondering if the switch from purple to blue is a subtle way for the pastor to promote the color of a certain Big Ten team.

Others have wondered if maybe it has something to do with the new pastor's puppy whose name is Blu.

Actually, the real scoop on why we have switched to blue for Advent is for some important theological reasons. Here they are:

Hope

The color blue is a color that is often associated with hope and this is at the heart of the season of Advent. We have hope and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and for his second coming when the scriptures speak of God forming new heavens and a new earth.

Distinguishing Itself From Lent

Secondly, the season of Lent was filling a little possessive in having to share the color purple with it's cousin, the season of Advent. By having two separate colors for these two seasons on the church calendar, we provide new ways of focusing on these two significant seasons and keep them a little more separate in our minds.

Respecting the Holiday "Blues"

Another reason we are using the color, blue in Advent is due to the phrase, "holiday blues." Advent is meant to be a restrained time in waiting for the big celebration of Christmas. This is particularly helpful for people who struggle during this season when stores begin playing "Jingle Bells" as early as the day after Halloween. Our church wants to honor people who aren't feeling the giddiness of this time of year due to a passing of a loved one, a painful memory, or because of the shorter days and longer nights.

This is why we offer a "Blue Christmas" service in our church each year. It's especially designed for people who want to share in the hope of Christmas, but who prefer a more subdued time of reflection and introspection. During this service, people have the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one or as a way to name another sadness they may be experiencing in their lives.

In addition to the Blue Christmas service, you may have noticed our beautiful new white Christmas tree with blue lights located in the corner of our Welcome Center. People are invited to place a tag on the tree that names a sadness or a prayer concern they would like to give to God.

So there you have it. We have shifted to using the color, blue in the season of Advent because blue is associated with hope, it distinguishes itself from purple which is used during Lent, and it shows respect for those who may be feeling the holiday "blues."

Some churches continue to use the color, purple during Advent which is perfectly fine, but we just wanted to emphasize these other important theological and practical aspects of this time of year as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. Come, Lord Jesus! Come!