This year’s Lenten newsletter is being distributed on February 14, otherwise known as Valentine’s Day. Hearts, flowers and candy abound as stores gear up for this busy commercial season. However, I have yet to see any displays about the impending season of Lent, which really points us toward the true meaning of love. Jesus himself said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12, 13, NRSV) And Jesus showed his love for the world by giving up his own life.
During the season of Lent we slow down and become more reflective as we ponder this great love. The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, which is February 17th this year, and lasts for 40 days. It is a time of simplicity and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s passage from death to life, a time to focus upon themes of penitence; baptismal renewal or preparation for baptism; prayer, fasting, and service; and confession of sin rooted in the promise of God that comes through the cross of Christ.
You will notice some changes in the nave and the liturgy. The festive decorations, such as bright banners and flowers, are not used. The liturgy is also more reflective, with the use of the Kyrie, (“Lord have mercy”) instead of the Hymn of Praise, and with the omission of “Alleluia”. The colour of the season is purple, suggesting sombreness and solemnity.
This year for our Thursday evening gatherings we will be using Luther’s catechism as an opportunity to revisit some of the basic teachings of the Christian community, as was the practice in the early church and encouraged by Martin Luther later on.
Although Lent is a reflective, more sober time, we do know the ending to this story…we know that Christ died, but that he also rose again and ascended into heaven. Our “Alleluias” and all the other festive adornments return on Easter!
Please join us for worship as we journey through this season of Love.