Why do we see colour?

We see colour all around us because of the way our eyes and brain perceive light. Light is made up of different wavelengths, and each wavelength corresponds to a different colour. When light hits an object, the object can absorb some wavelengths of light and reflect others. The light that is reflected off the object enters our eyes and interacts with special cells called cones, which are located in the retina at the back of the eye.

These cone cells are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. There are three types of cones: one sensitive to short wavelengths (which we perceive as blue light), one sensitive to medium wavelengths (which we perceive as green light), and one sensitive to long wavelengths (which we perceive as red light). When these cones are stimulated by light, they send signals to the brain, which then processes these signals and interprets them as different colours.

The combination of signals from these three types of cones allows us to perceive a wide range of colours. For example, if both the red and green cones are stimulated, our brain perceives the colour yellow. Similarly, different combinations of signals from the three types of cones result in the perception of all the other colours in the visible spectrum.

Our ability to see colours is a complex interplay between the physics of light, the biology of our eyes, and the neural processing in our brain. This ability to perceive and distinguish colours enriches our visual experiences and helps us make sense of the world around us. Without these cone cells we would see everything in darkness. Surely this is design?

In the manifestations of God to His people, light has ever been a symbol of His presence. At creation light shone from the darkness. A pillar of light lite the paths of the Exodus from Egypt. There were manifestations of light at Mt Sinai at the giving of the Law. Light emanates from the mercy seat in the tabernacle. The Shekinah glory filled Solomon’s temple at its dedication. The hills around Bethlehem were emblazed with light. Jesus on his birthday (the Feast of Tabernacles) declared “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12 and 9:5)

2 Cor 4:6 says, “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” NLT

Light is closely associated with Deity. At creation light was the first element to be brought into existence. Divine manifestations are usually accompanied by ineffable glory (Exodus 19:16-18, Deut 33:2, Isa 33:14, Hab 3:3-5, Heb 12:29 etc) God is described as “everlasting light.” (Isa 60:19-20). God is described as dwelling on “unapproachable light.” (1 Tim 6:16).

These physical manifestations are symbolic of the moral purity and perfect holiness that distinguish God’s character which dispels darkness. John begins his gospel by saying that this light shone in the darkness of this world (John 1:5) and at the end of his life John admonished us to walk in the light. (1 John 1:7). Doing this will truly colour your life.