THE RED CARPET

But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

Isn’t the cup of blessing that we bless a sharing in

the blood of Christ? Isn’t the loaf of bread that we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:16

It’s not unusual to find awards shows like the Oscars and the Emmys held on a Sunday night. We now find that a big audience tunes in early for the red carpet interviews. Being on the red carpet is a “big deal.” I wondered why and found this when I looked it up.

The tradition of the red carpet at awards ceremonies, like the Oscars, dates back to ancient times. The red carpet symbolizes luxury, elegance, and importance. Here are a few reasons why it’s used:

The red carpet has been associated with royalty and dignitaries for centuries. It was used to signify a path of honor and prestige. The red carpet provides a consistent and visually appealing backdrop for photographs and media coverage, ensuring that the focus remains on the celebrities.

The red carpet has become synonymous with high-profile events, adding to the allure and excitement of the occasion.

Every Sunday I am on the red carpet. No – not the one with reporters and photographers. I’m talking about the one at our church. What’s so special about a red carpet in a church? Of course, I looked that up too. 

The red carpet often symbolizes the blood of Christ and the path to salvation. It can also represent honor and reverence, marking the way to the altar or other sacred areas. 

That’s quite a contrast – honor and privilege vs. love and sacrifice. 

The first Sunday of this month I walked down the red carpet to participate in the sacrament of Communion celebrating the Last Supper of our Lord. We don’t spend a lot of time dwelling on the blood of Christ, but it is a very important concept in our practice of faith. We believe that God’s Son shed his blood to free us from the grip of guilt. He sacrificed his life so that we could live ours with an eternal guarantee. The next time you walk down the red carpet, you may want to think about what that means to you.

Holy God, we come to you with all that we are. Some of that we aren’t too proud of, but we know that your love has provided us with a Savior. Thank you for Jesus whose blood makes us whole and worthy to praise and worship you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

                                                                                  Sue Uzelmeier