Why We Do What We Do in Worship--Vestments

AS WE ENTER, YOU SEE
PRIESTS, DEACONS, AND ACOLYTES (assistants)
IN WHITE ROBES

 

·       As I have mentioned before, as the image of God, human beings speak in symbols. 

·       Look around in the world and see how we use clothing to speak of who we are: medical people wear white coats, policeman wear uniforms, judges wear black robes, many jobs have a special uniform, brides wear white dresses, business men and lawyers wear suits, and clergy wear clothes that represent spiritual truths.

·       The alb or white robe is white to symbolize the holiness and self-denial of those who serve in the sanctuary of God.

·       It hangs down to the ankles, reminding us that we are bound to practice good works to life's end—from top to bottom.

·       The early church based their wearing of white vestments on passages like this from The Book of Revelation:

Revelation 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.