It’s a controversial topic, but I’m just going to say it. Lenten hymns are wonderful.

Not everyone agrees, I know. When I mention how much I love Lent and its hymns, reactions vary. For some, they are too slow and somber. Others think these songs wallow, in an overly-sentimental way, in our guilt for causing the pains that Jesus endured.

But in my experience, from my childhood days to the present, these hymns have drawn me to my Savior and brought my Savior’s love to me. Year after year, they have planted two great truths in my heart. Apart from Jesus, I am a guilty and condemned sinner, without hope or excuse. But I have a Savior, who loves me so dearly that He has borne my guilt, suffered my punishment and rescued me forever.

Perhaps it was the repeated singing of these hymns that drew me to study for the ministry. I knew that I owed everything to this loving, suffering Redeemer! I wanted others, too, to know His self-giving love and pardon! And Easter hymns drew me toward the ministry. And Christmas hymns. And my faithful pastors. And my parents and older brother. I am thankful for all of these. And I am thankful to have been called to such a beautiful vocation, to serve Christ’s church in the Office of the Holy Ministry.

During this season of Lent, may our eyes be drawn to Jesus — to our beautiful, mighty Savior — through His Word and Sacraments. That is just where the Lenten hymns are pointing us: to Jesus.

A blessed Lent to you, in Jesus’ love,

Thomas J. Egger
President