The Love Language of Lent

Language is important. Whether spoken, written, or signed, it is how we understand ourselves and the world around us, and it is what we use to convey meaning to each other. Language is how God communicates with us, as evident in the Holy Scriptures. When God wanted to stop mankind’s building of the Tower of Babel, he confused their language; when he poured out his Spirit on the believers at Pentecost He empowered them to speak other languages. Yes, language is very important; it is an essential part of being human.

In the Church, language is very important, as well. We use language in the Scripture lessons, in our music, in the announcements, and in our sermons (sometimes, we use a lot of language in our sermons!). We also have a number of special words and terms which we traditionally use in the Church to designate concepts and things that are important to the faith. Examples of theological words we use are: grace, faith, works, salvation, propitiation, expiation, vicarious atonement, incarnation, etc. This terminology (sometimes called “Churchese” or “Christianese”) also extends to seasons in the Church year. Whereas the world talks about spring, summer, fall and winter, we speak of different seasons: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

This special language is good and useful, in that it helps us remember and understand God’s saving work for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the work of His Holy Spirit in sanctifying us (another Church word!). It also provides stability and comfort through the meaning of those terms. But sometimes those terms can confuse or hide the truths to which they refer, especially when they are used without explanation. New Christians may be baffled by our using terms which we know but they have not yet learned, as might people who come from Christian churches and traditions that don’t use such terminology.

We are now in the Church season of Lent, a season that is full of such special language. While I enjoy hearing and using those old, familiar terms, I realize that not everyone is familiar with them. Several people have asked what certain words mean, so I decided it might be good to use my first blog article in this year’s Lenten season to explain some terms:

Lent: The season of the Church year which begins 46 days before Easter. It consists of 40 days of Lent and the six Sundays during that period. Technically, the Sundays are not part of Lent. The 40 days mirror the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Satan. For Christians, this is a season for self-examination, repentance (see below), and prayer as we consider Christ’s death for our sins. The name, “Lent,” comes from the word, “lengthen,” which refers to this time of year when we move from winter to spring. The daylight portion of our days “lengthens” and the darkness retreats, which is also symbolic of Christ whose light has come into the world. As Scripture says about Christ’s coming, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light.” (Matthew 4:16 quoting Isaiah 9:2) and Jesus said about himself, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Fasting: To give up or go without something for a period of time as a spiritual discipline. This also reflects what Jesus did in the wilderness when he went without eating or drinking for those 40 days. Common things people fast from include: smoking, drinking, chocolate, other foods, watching TV, etc. Things not to fast from include work, school, going to church, bathing, etc. I considered fasting from my blog during Lent, but there are just too many things to write about!

Repentance: A change in attitude and behavior in which one turns from sin and turns to God. This deserves further comment another time.

Ash Wednesday: The first day of Lent, which this year was March 1st, is traditionally observed by the “imposition” (putting on) of ashes on worshipers’ foreheads as a sign of sorrow and penitence for one’s sins. The pastor says to the people as they receive the ashes, “Dust you are and to dust you will return,” (Genesis 3:19) as a reminder of their mortality. “Stay tuned” for more about this year’s Ash Wednesday in my next post.

Maundy Thursday: (Not Monday-Thursday!) Maundy comes from the Latin word, “Mandatum” which means “commandment,” in honor of Jesus saying at the Last Supper, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another.” This is the Thursday just before Easter and commemorates Christ’s final meal with his disciples before he was crucified. It was at this supper that Jesus instituted Holy Communion.

Good Friday: This was the day Jesus Christ “was crucified, died, and was buried” for our sake, taking our sins upon himself that we might be forgiven.  By his death, Christ won the victory over sin, death, and the devil and won for us eternal life. This was what made it “Good” Friday: it was good for us.

The Lenten Sentence: Throughout most of the year, we sing the “Alleluia” just before the reading of the Gospel. During Lent we sing the “Lenten Sentence,” which quotes Joel 2:13, “Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”

I hope this helps clarify some of the language of Lent for you. But above all, remember that the true language of Lent is love;

Remember that the true language of Lent is love.

it is God’s great love for you and me that provided us with a Savior in the person of his own Son. May you be blessed by God’s love in your Lenten journey!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord look upon you with favor, and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Matthew 4:1-11