I Love to Wear Red, White, and Blue

AmericanFlagWaving   Whoever chose the colors red, white, and blue for the American flag—thank you! I can’t think of a more cheerful combination of tones for a flag.

But that’s not all.

I love to wear red, white, and blue. Together or separately, and not only on national holidays. It seems I’m not alone.

Red is a popular color in women’s clothing, and if a woman wants to attract a man’s attention, well, wear red.

I don’t know any woman who doesn’t have something red to wear at Christmas or for Valentine’s Day. Men wear red on those occasions, too.

Businesswomen and female public speakers sometimes have a red power suit. It commands attention. Men wear red ties.

Red signifies fun, passion, strength, vitality.

White always marks an occasion as joyful, an ensemble as special. White signifies purity but also looks cool and glamorous.

Brides in western cultures have worn it for centuries. Gowns for formal events often appear in white. White is used for christenings and other religious celebrations. And for sports like boating and tennis.

When asked for their favorite color, the majority of people mention blue. That’s especially true of men.

Look in a man’s closet. My husband always has more blue shirts than any other. When we shop, he gravitates toward the blue clothing (and sometimes green, which contains blue). He looks great in blue, and I always compliment him.

But blue looks good on everyone. Find your best blue by holding fabrics near your face. Which blue makes your skin look healthy and your eyes sparkle? Pale aqua, royal, or deep navy?

Do that with red tones. Do you like deep cherry, bright berry, or fire-engine red?

Now pair one of your favorites with white. You’ll have a winning combination.

What is your favorite combination of colors to wear?

cynthia-toney

Wearing red! Cynthia

 

 

Chanukah or Christmas?

Hanukkah-in-Jerusalem-3

Chanukah in Jerusalem AP

The Jewish Feast of Dedication (Chanukah in Hebrew) begins Sunday evening and my husband will be lighting the first candle on our chanukiyah. The tradition of Chanukah began 165 years before the birth of Messiah. The apostle John (10:22-23) said, “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon.…”

 

Why is Chanukah associated with lights? When the Maccabees drove the Greeks out of Jerusalem. The priests found only a one-day supply of consecrated oil for the golden lampstand (which must burn continually before the Lord). Although consecrating oil is an eight-day process, the one-day supply kept the lampstand burning until the new oil was ready.

Tel Aviv Memoriah

Tel Aviv AP

 

Jerusalem celebrated the Lord’s miracle, and thus began the annual tradition of remembering the dedication of the Temple with lamps, candles, and—now—electric outdoor menorahs.

 

Jewish sages teach the menorah light is both physical and spiritual. According to the Temple Institute in Jerusalem, “The Sanctuary’s windows allowed the special ethereal light coming forth from the menorah to burst out to the world from within the hallowed hall.”

 

When Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world,” the citizens of Jerusalem knew exactly what he meant, and they called Him a blasphemer because only the light in the Temple represented the Lord’s light shining out to the world.

 

Warsaw AP photo

Warsaw

Stuttgart Jews Celebrate Hanukkah

STUTTGART, GERMANY – DECEMBER 16, 2014 (Photo by Alex Quesada/Getty Images)

Paris menorah

Paris AP

 

I grew up in a home that celebrated the Christmas season with baked goodies, midnight worship, a lit-up tree, and a few gifts. As a believer grafted into the commonwealth of Israel, I now find special meaning in Jewish traditions; the lessons in each resonates in the context of Yeshua’s all-too-short time on earth.

 

Do you think it is okay for non-Jews to celebrate Chanukah? And is it acceptable for Jews to share and celebrate the secular joy of Christmas. What do you think?