Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is the forty day season leading us to Easter, and it provides us an opportunity to reflect on who we are as children of God, repent for our human tendencies and imperfections, and to remember how truly blessed and undeserving we are of God's grace.
Alleluia is the Latin form of the Hebrew words hallelu yah, which means "Praise the Lord!". Alleluia has traditionally been suspended in the church for these forty days since at least the fifth century, which highlights the disciplined, reflective nature of Lent and in turn emphasizes the joy, praise and celebration of Easter, "when glad alleluias will return in all their heavenly splendor".
Alleluia is crossed out with purple, the liturgical color of Lent. Purple is used to signify repentance and solemnity.
Creekside Alleluias will still continue to be a source of Takes Me Home pieces, Camp Features, and Updates throughout Lent, but "Alleluias" will remain crossed out for the next forty days to remind us of this season of introspection, discipline and hope.