Why do we have Black paraments?
Black paraments are used on Good Friday. On that day, the sun was darkened while Jesus died on the cross. Jesus took the darkness of sin unto Himself that we might be redeemed.
What do they mean to our worship?
Our Good Friday worship is a focus on the death of Jesus. Our focus is on the great sacrifice He made for us. We express sorrow for our sins, which is the cause of His suffering and death. But in our sorrow is the unspeakable joy that is ours because of what He did for us.
What does the Bible say about black paraments?
The Bible says nothing about black paraments. The focus of all Scripture is the death of Jesus on the cross. All of human history comes together in that moment. The Old Testament pointed to it again and again. The Gospels are dominated by it. The Epistles show its meaning to all teachings of Christianity.
Suggestions
Sing the following hymns from Lutheran Service Book: 450, 451, 452, 453.
Object Lesson
Read the account of the dark day of Good Friday from any or all of the Gospels. Talk about why we use black paraments on Good Friday because Jesus conquered the darkness of sin on the cross.
Prayer
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown. O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss, till now was Thine! Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine. Amen