Every month has a birthstone. The birthstone for September is the sapphire. And it reminds me of Jesus.
The Sapphire is Strong
The diamond is the only mineral harder than the sapphire. I like that fact. It means you can wear sapphires every day, without having to worry about them cracking, being scratched or disintegrating.
We should put on the armor of God each day also. Jesus’ cloak of righteousness is not only beautiful; it is strong and durable, too.
Protection from Evil
According to folklore, the sapphire protects the wearer from evil and grants the wearer peace and joy. Its traditional blue color symbolizes truth, sincerity, and faithfulness, which is one reason women in many countries (remember Princess Diana and later, Kate Middleton?) prefer a sapphire engagement ring.
Jesus protects us from evil and grants us His peace and joy. Jesus is truth and sincerity and is ever-faithful.
Sapphires Remind Us of Heaven
Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. The sapphire’s various shades of blue reflect the sky at different times of the day and night—from soft blue to twilight to midnight blue. Some ancient stories claimed our earth sat inside a large blue sapphire heaven.
Sapphires come in other colors than blue, however. In fact, the sapphire and the ruby are both in the same family of minerals—the corundum (see July "Rubies for Jesus"). The existence of additional mineral elements (such as iron, titanium, vanadium, chrome) in corundum, determine its ultimate color. When corundum contains chrome, it is called "ruby." All other colors of corundum are called "sapphires" and come in white (clear), black, yellow, pink, green, blue, and violet—basically the colors of the rainbow.
Speaking of rainbows…God created them as a reminder to us and to Him of His love for us. One more way sapphires remind me of Jesus.
Happy birthday to everyone born in September.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the great variety and excessive beauty you have filled this world with. Please help us see the beauty around us and be reminded that it is but a small reflection of your glory. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? What do you love about sapphires? Do you know someone born in September?
Today I'm cross-posting at Chris Vonada's blog. Please visit him often.