Goodbye Alleluia

In some Christian denominations, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday features a special, liturgical worship piece called “a farewell to alleluia.” This usually involves a special hymn that repeats the word “alleluia” throughout its stanzas, a reminder to the congregation that this word will not be sung again until Easter morning. I have always found this a moving reminder that this side of eternity, our God understands what it means to say goodbye.