“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
When I think of a Broadway show, my first thought is of the great music. I love musical theatre. The powerful music, performed by amazing musicians, is something I could listen to all day. However, music is not the thing that makes a great Broadway show. Each show has multiple elements that come together to bring a story to life. The stage, props, music, dialogue, casting, choreography, lighting, sound, and so many other components come together to make the show happen.
One of the elements that helps make a show possible is costumes. Costumes help actors bring a character to life. One of the best and most celebrated costume designers is Susan Hilferty. Susan is best known as the Costume Designer for Wicked. After the story had been written and the music created, Susan was tasked with bringing the characters of Wicked to life. Creating the world of Wicked meant designing 269 individual costumes. She had to know the story inside and out. Her hard work paid off. She won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Costume Design. Susan understands that everyone acts differently when they put on a costume. The actors walk differently, carry themselves differently and they perform differently. A good costume helps an actor’s imagination flourish. When an actor wears a great costume, it changes them.
The Apostle Paul understood what good clothing can do for us. He knew that clothing ourselves differently helps to make us behave differently. The right clothes can completely change our attitude on any given day. That is why the Apostle Paul uses the analogy of clothing ourselves to describe the change that takes place when we are intentional about connecting to Christ and growing in our faith. As we grow in our faith, we change from who we once were into a new creation. We are transformed into the very image of God. We bring kindness, gentleness, peace, and love to life, as we put away the things of this world and put on Christ.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
