When a person thinks about Christmas lights and colors, it’s typically the red, green and white that come to mind. Blue most certainly isn’t at the top of the list, and many would argue that blue has no place in Christmas at all.
Or does it?
The Perry Lutheran Homes King’s Gardens Campus and Eden Acres Campus (the old Rowley Masonic Home), both on Willis Avenue in Perry, have royal blue exterior lights on display for passersby to see. The royal blue lights appear in early December until Christmas Eve, which is when the royal blue turns to white.
The weeks with royal blue lights leading up to Christmas eve correspond with the church season of Advent. Advent is a time of expectation and preparing for the coming of the King – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And the color of Kings? Royal blue.
In the ancient Near East, notice was given of a king’s impending visit to give the people time to fix the roads, prepare their cities and properties. The prophet Isaiah tells of the coming of a special king, who will bring comfort to his people for all time.
“A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3)
As we await Jesus our King, we prepare with special Advent worship services, Bible studies and decorations, such as nativities and lights, preparing our hearts to receive Him.
On Christmas Eve, the color of Perry Lutheran Homes’ lights change to bright white, a sign of purity and peace. The reason for the change? The Christ, long promised and all powerful, has arrived in the most interesting way.
Jesus was born away from home in Bethlehem in a humble stable. The King of Kings comes in the lowest possible way, as an infant, born to a virgin, destined to bring healing for all sinners by His eventual crucifixion, a sacrifice of atonement, the ultimate gift of the King.
He comes to rule in the hearts of his people everywhere, and for all time.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
When you see the Perry Lutheran Homes’ royal blue or white exterior lights this Christmas season, give pause and give thanks for the gift of all gifts – Jesus. He was born to save you and all people – a pure and perfect sacrifice.
‘“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights . . .” (James 1:17a)
Special thanks to community partner Javier Construction, for the donation of the telehandler for the time it took to mount the lights.
The Perry Lutheran Homes is your locally owned and managed Christian Caring Community, serving Perry and surrounding communities for more than 66 years. The Perry Lutheran Homes offers innovative, personalized, Christ-centered living and care at three campuses in Perry, — the Spring Valley Campus, King’s Gardens Campus and Eden Acres Campus. Services include independent and assisted living, award-winning memory care, in-home care, respite care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, intermediate and long-term care, end-of-life care and Meals on Wheels. Learn more at the Perry Lutheran Homes website.
Mollie A. Clark in the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
