Psalm 52:8-9 (King James Version)
8 But I am like a
green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and
ever. 9 I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait
on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
St Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century
AD. It is believed that as a young man,
Patrick was kidnapped and taken into slavery to Ireland. He claimed that his escape from Ireland and
his eventual return to Britain was based upon God’s instructions, given to him
in a dream. After his return to Britain,
he began to study for the Catholic priesthood.
Later in life, as
a Catholic bishop, Patrick said that he was called to return to Ireland to win
over the Irish who held a belief in many Gods.
It is believed that he used the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of
the trinity.
Although
originally being associated with the color blue, gradually green became the
representative color for St Patrick’s Day.
It is believed the color green has been associated with the celebration
due to the color of the shamrock and the green vegetation found in Ireland.
The symbolic use of the color green is not limited to the
St Patrick’s Day holiday. In the Bible
the color green is often associated with a state of blessing from Almighty God.
As we see the “wearing of the green” on this St Patrick’s
Day, let all of us be reminded of our life based upon God’s mercy to us. Once reminded of God’s mercy shown to us,
let’s appreciate His workings by taking advantage of the opportunities that He
places before us. When we have the
opportunity, let’s be a good example and encouragement to others who have
trusted in Christ. This means being
careful, even on St Patrick’s Day, to set a Godly example of holiness in living
as others see our lives of faith.
Dear Lord we pray that we will always remember the great
things You have done for us. As we see all the green today let it remind us of
Your mercy You have shown to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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