Tonight, before the children go to bed, we will say goodbye to our family Alleluia Banner, and put it away until the end of Lent.

We already said our farewells to the Alleluias in church on Sunday, as is the liturgical tradition. But since we are fortunate enough to have an Alleluia Banner at home, we make a big deal out of putting it away on Shrove Tuesday, and replacing it with the Jesus Tree Banner, which will become the focal point of our Bible readings for the next 40+ days. Being able to follow these liturgical traditions at home as well as in church is one of my favorite parts of being a Lutheran!

Alleluia cannot always
Be our song while here below;
Alleluia, our transgressions
Make us for a while forgo;
For the solemn time is coming
When our tears for sin must flow.