It may seem strange and out of place to encourage Christians to "rejoice" during the somber season of Lent. Haven't we buried the Alleluias? Haven't we muted our Glorias? After all, six weeks from now our silence will be broken with the shouts and the songs of life at the empty tomb. Light will shine on the dark days of Lent. If this is the case, why such an exuberant hymn that bubbles joy right here in the shadows of the Savior's suffering? Because joy is found in the sufferings and death of Christ. This good news–this Gospel–gives us joy in life where joy should not exist. This Gospel gives us hope in the face of death where hope should not exist. This Gospel tells us of "a true David who strove with sin, death and the devil, and overcame them" (LW 35:358). In this Gospel a dying man bequeaths his possessions. These possessions are life in which death is swallowed up, righteousness by which sin is blotted out, and salvation which overcomes everlasting damnation. This Gospel is comfort for a poor man, dead in sin and consigned to hell. And so, Christians "must laugh and be glad over it, if [they] believe it [to be] true" (LW 35:358ff). So, dear Christians, one and all...REJOICE!
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The ancient Christian custom of
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