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Recently I heard one of our bishops speak of this truth. His illustration reflects my own thoughts and writings, especially in relation to this deep connection between Scripture and Liturgy. His Grace made us look at Israel's tabernacle, the place where they met and communed with God. The blueprint for this place of worship was given by God to Moses, and every detail from size, shape, and color was meticulously planned. The author of Hebrews declares that this scheme is reflective of the heavenly temple. Each element is ultimately a reflection of Christ and New Testament realities, but our eyes were directed by the bishop to the colors of this earthly temple. The tabernacle itself, including the inner holy place, was wrapped in purple, red, and blue.
With this in mind, look at an icon of Christ. In what colors is he adorned? Purple, red and blue. The red represents the earth, the humanity and sacrifice of Christ. The blue is His heavenly nature and the two join in one person--the purple of royalty, for He is King of Kings and Lord of lords.
What is proclaimed in veiled shadows in the Old Covenant, the Church proclaims openly in the beauty of Her icons. There is no symbol vacant of meaning. For from the beginning there is one story that continues to this day. It is the story of God redeeming His people, and His people cotinue to proclaim this story in Scripture, in Liturgy, and in the lives of Her holy ones.
