Red Christ

Christ was born to die, as are we all. Red is the colour of blood, and mortality. It is in the choice of our actions and our lives that we determine this gift.

Christianity is not communist. It isn’t a democracy, or a republic. It has a whole dimension to its own: a place where everyone is equal and loved by God. Governments cannot hope to achieve such lofty ideals as religion and the gift of Jesus.

But the colour of Red keeps on recurring throughout the bible. The Passover, the escape of the Jews from Egypt, all of these things have used the dye painted red, purloined from beetles in the olden days. In some societies it was valued even higher than gold or silver.

Many people have benefited: their souls, their lives sustained with this colour. Christ has guided our hands, helped us when we need it. It recurs throughout his teachings and we are meant to believe that when it is mentioned someone is saved or God would intervene for good.

Jesus bled for us on the cross, his blood red, and forever after anyone who mentioned the colour knew that they were championing it in favour of God and man. The charity Red Cross uses this ideal for their work in the world. And the cross of England – a Christian land – is also red. In his name many deaths have been caused, and many lives have been saved. Ironically also the devil is usually coloured red. Birth and death are both comprised in that colour. Thank goodness God isn’t colour-blind.

Blood is always the meaning behind the implication of red; anger, lust, even death all correspond to this ideal.

Jesus though expects us to knock on his door: this colour has always shown his presence. Everywhere in the bible he invites us to trust in his justice and in even such a simple idea as paint.

Christ bled and as Christians we believe this sacrifice was necessary. Whether this is symbolism or an actual physical forgiveness for the redemption of our sins I don’t know. Are sins a physical symptom that can only be removed though prayer and Christian life?

The life-force of humans has always been through the propagation of blood, genes, death and rebirth. There has always been a system where humanity was continued. And Jesus has granted us his life. His death should not be ignored or be taken for granted. All should thank him. For without his sacrifice we would not be here.