The Lutheran church enjoys a long tradition of identifying a “Hymn of the Week” for every Sunday of the church year. Such a hymn should reflect the unifying theme of the service, and is intended to be sung on that Sunday every year.
The Season of Pre-Lent (concluded) During March, our journey with Jesus continues as we move from the last of the “Gesima,” or Pre-Lent Sundays, into the season of Lent.
- March 2—On Quinquagesima Sunday, our eyes are directed to Jerusalem and the culmination of Jesus’ journey as the Christ. We are also reminded that Christians do not watch Jesus from a distance, but rather journey with their Savior. The hymn for this Sunday is “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus” (TLH 409; LSB 685), which is appropriately based on the words of Thomas: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16) This hymn points to the perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus, and how His life serves as the motivation for the Christian’s walk as a follower of Jesus.
The Season of Lent Lent is a time of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus. During these seven weeks we consider the warfare between Christ and His Church on one side, and the kingdom of the devil on the other. It is a time of repentance, which is marked by the color purple and the absence of liturgical hymns of praise such as the “Alleluia” and the “Gloria in Excelsis.” Historically, the Sundays within this season are not a part of the season of Lent, but are Sundays IN Lent, since every Sunday is a mini celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from death. The forty days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday (March 5) and end on Easter Eve (April 19), but do not include the Sundays in between. For this reason, the themes of the Sundays in Lent will not focus on the Passion of Jesus, but will point us ahead to the assurance of Christ’s victory on Easter, and His victory in the Christian’s life through Spirit-worked repentance and faith. The meditation on the Passion of Jesus is reserved for our mid-week worship.
- March 9—On the First Sunday in Lent we reflect on the battle against sin and temptation. We see this in readings which highlight the temptations that Jesus faced, that Israel faced, and that we all face. The hymn “God the Father, Be Our Stay” (TLH 247; LSB 505) predates the Lutheran Reformation. Although it has a challenging melody, this hymn is a beautiful prayer to our Triune God, acknowledging the dangers we face and expressing our confidence in God’s power over sin through faith.
- March 16—The Second Sunday in Lent assures the Christian of God’s power over the devil and his evil cohorts. The Reformation era hymn, “When in the Hour of Utmost Need” (TLH 522; LSB 615) is also a prayer to God for help in our time of need. This hymn teaches us the importance of heartfelt repentance and emphasizes God’s power to deliver us.
- March 23—The Third Sunday in Lent reminds us that there are only two sides in the war against sin. The true God is vehemently opposed by the devil and his forces. There is no middle ground. The hymn for this Sunday is “Lord of our Life and God of Our Salvation” (TLH 258; LSB 659). This hymn is a prayer to the true God, requesting His help in this battle with Satan.
- March 30—The Fourth Sunday in Lent marks a subtle change as a theme of victory and joy begins to surface. God supplies our needs of body and soul and assures us of the victory over sin and its consequences. The hymn “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” (TLH 347; LSB 743) reminds us that our ultimate victory is secure in Jesus who is greater than any power or treasure of this life. He alone removes all fear and sadness and gives true joy.
Jesus, bless us through Your Word and our worship this month!
is a pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota.