During the seasons of Advent and Lent, I wear a robe when I am leading worship services. The robe is referred to as an ‘alb,’ and the one I wear is flax colored. Wearing the alb sets apart these seasons as different during the year and draws attention to the fact that Advent and Lent are a different time. They are set apart. This is why I wear a robe.
The alb also covers up my clothes. It is a simple garment as well, and with these two aspects it is symbolic of humility. This aspect is important to me especially during the times of Advent and Lent as they are periods of fasting and repentance. I appreciate the seasonal focus on my own need for repentance and forgiveness. I appreciate the opportunity to be shaped by the humility of our savior. The robe reminds me of these things. That is why I wear a robe.
When I wear my alb, I also get to wear a stole – which goes around my shoulders and is usually colored to match the liturgical season. My Lenten stole was a gift given to me by some of my parishioners and it features elements that are reminiscent of Holy Week, such as a cross, a crown of thorns, and nails. The stole, being worn over my shoulders, is meant to symbolize the yoke of Christ. It is usually only worn by those who are ordained, so it is a reminder to me of my calling and ordination. I should mention that my ordination was the result of a great deal of support and hard work by many people from my wife, my parents, my home church, my seminary, and my first churches who gave me a place to learn. When I wear my alb and stole I am then reminded of my calling by Christ and the community of people who have supported that calling. This is why I wear a robe.
Finally, the alb is tied around the waist by a cincture, which looks like a rope. I remember being fitted for my alb by a seminary friend who worked at the store and he explained to me that the cincture was symbolic of the ropes they used to bind Jesus after they arrested him. When I tighten the ropes around my waist I am reminded how my savior was bound so that I could be set free from sin. This is why I wear a robe.
In a time that is increasingly post-Christian in the United States, I realize that some of the church’s traditions and ways of doing things seem strange. While I do not want those things to be an impediment to spiritual growth, I do not think that being strange is all that bad. In some ways, it is important to be set apart. We are called to be different than this world even while living in the midst of it. I have found that people are receptive to these differences when they are able to understand the meaning behind them. That meaning is the crucial thing, because we are all, after all, searching for some sort of meaning in this life full of seasons.