Daily chapel services were part of my life as a student at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin. I still remember a line from one of Professor Richard Dinda’s sermons as we entered another Lenten season. He said, “We now find ourselves in the pits of the church year.”

I think many of us can relate to that sentiment. Lent is a sober and somber time of reflection that many people would just as soon skip and get on to Easter. But hold on for a second. We need this reminder. Lent points us to our own sin as the reason for Jesus coming to this world. Lent tells you Jesus loved you enough to pay for your filth and guilt that would keep you out of heaven. Lent is an exposition of just how vast God’s love for you is. That love was shown in Jesus’ life, suffering and death to ensure you could be forgiven.

I was in that mindset many years ago when God led me to write the following song. I hope the lyrics will help you through your Lenten journey this year.

Lenten Wonder

I’ve often wondered, Lord, at all that you’ve done
Into this world of sin you sent your Son.
And even stranger, Lord, you did this for me: You sent your Son to Calvary.

Jesus the Lamb of God, He took my pain,
The one who knew no sin for sinners has been slain.

I’ve often wondered, Lord, oh, can it be true,
That a poor wretch like me could be loved by you?
Love that could not be earned gave this gift free: You sent your Son to Calvary

The nails, the cross, the spear, wounds that He bore,
He suffered these that I might live forevermore

 I thank and praise you, Lord, that through faith I’m saved
To sin and death I am no longer enslaved
Jesus who went to die on Calvary He rose again in victory.

I thank and praise you, Lord, that by grace I’m saved
Of sin and death I am no longer afraid
Jesus who went to die on Calvary He rose again in victory.