This was distributed to us at Ladies' Group by our Altar Guild leader to help explain the hows and whys of the Christian celebration of Lent. Our denomination, and our church in particular, might not acknowledge or put into practice all of these observances, but GS does follow many of them. Ash Wednesday is tomorrow, the Lenten season begins: "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice, Lord hear my voice; Lord, hear my voice..."
Our Observance of Lent
The Origin of The Name:
The word 'lent' was originally the Old English word for 'springtime'. Since the season of the church year which remembers Christ's Passion was always celebrated at this time in the British (Anglican) church, it came to be known as the "Springtime" or "Lenten" season. When the German Lutheran founders of the WI Synod changed their church language to English in the early part of last century, they adopted the name "Lent" for this part of the church year, as it was already being called in other American liturgical churches.
Why 40 days?
In early Christian churches, Lent was a time of self-examination and repentance for sin. Inner repentance and sorrow over sin was often symbolized outwardly by fasting. Fasting done during Lent was associated with the fasting Jesus did during His 40 days of being tempted in the wilderness. Thus, Lent, came to have 40 days (not counting Sundays).
Why the First Day of Lent is Called "Ash Wednesday"
Early Christians placed ashes on their heads on the first day of Lent as a sign of humility and repentance. This comes from the practice of those in Bible times who showed humility and repentance by covering themselves with sackcloth and ashes (Gen. 18:27, Matt.11:21).
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday with a call to repentance. "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" (Joel 2:13). This season is a time of preparation for Easter. The color of Ash Wednesday is black, the color of ashes, mourning, humiliation, and death. Reflecting the subdued mood of Lent and to help the congregation absorb the penitential character of the season, all paraments and banners are black, and the altar cross is veiled. (Altar Guild Manual-Maxwell)
The Tradition of "Giving Something Up for Lent"
While this is nowhere commanded by God in the Bible, it became a practice among Christians who did not want to fast during Lent but still wanted to symbolize outwardly their repentance from sin. "Giving something up" helped remind them of the sinfulness they wanted to give up.
Church Customs of Lent Retained in Worship
In some churches, flowers are not placed on the altar, less instrumental music is played during the services, and the "Alleluias" are omitted from the liturgy. (Some congregations have a "Farewell to Alleluia" portion of the service on Transfiguration Sunday, prior to the beginning of Lent)
Lent's Meaning for Us Today
Our "springtime" season of the church year takes us back to Jesus' "springtime" sufferings and death for our sins. We may fast, put ashes on our heads, or give up something. If we do, it is only to prepare our hearts for hearing the message through the spoken and sung Word, of how Jesus was humbled and gave up all to be our Savior through His suffering.
