Light on the Lingo?

By Rev. Tom Chryst

Bling-Bling – \BLING BLING\ noun - def. 1. jewelry such as silver, platinum, or diamonds, gold. 2. extremely expensive style of clothes, cars, general life-style; something “flashy.” Not a “church word,” but fun to say.

Have you noticed certain words are used in certain circles? The words you use with your parents are different than the ones you might use with your friends. And those words are not the same you would use with your baby brother.

The same is true for church. Many of the words we use in church aren’t used a lot outside of Sunday morning, but don’t let that scare you off! Here’s a handy Lutheran Lexicon for the “terminologically challenged.”

Advent

From Latin “He comes.” The beginning of the Church Year, where we remember Christ’s coming in the flesh, His Coming in Word and Sacraments, and His final Coming on Judgment Day.

Absolution

Forgiveness. Offered by the pastor “in the stead…” (in the place of) “and by the command…” of Jesus.

Confession

1) Admitting your sins 2) Declaring your beliefs 3) The set of beliefs that you hold true (your “confession”) “The Confessions” refers to those historical documents which state our Lutheran beliefs – found in the Book of Concord

Evangelical

Having to do with the Gospel. Sometimes abbreviated “Ev.” in the names of our churches. The Greek word literally means “good (ev) message (angel)”

Incarnation

Coming “in the flesh,” literally. Jesus came as a human. He was “incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary.”

Introit

From the Latin “Entrance.” The Psalm chanted as the pastor approaches (enters) the altar (chancel).

Justification

The idea that through Christ, God declares you just, or “right.” This is like a judge declaring a person innocent in a trial.

Lectionary

The system of scripture readings chosen for the church year.

Liturgy

The form of public worship. Origins of this word indicate a public giving-out of “goodies.” The Pastor distributes the gifts of God (Word and Sacrament) in the liturgy.

Preaching

How God delivers His “blingbling” (His Word) to the world through His pastors (“blingers”?).

Reconciliation

Restoring the relationship between God and sinners. Like a husband and wife who are separated and get back together.

Salutary

Helpful and health-ful. Good for you.

Salvation

How God saves or heals the sinner. Makes us new.

Sanctification

How the Holy Spirit makes you holy. “…but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.”

Stewardship

Managing one’s bling-bling (or all your “stuff”) in a godly way. Realizing it doesn’t belong to you in the first place.

Transfiguration

Changing appearance. This refers to a specific event in Jesus life when he got all bright and shiny (bling-bling?). Celebrated at the end of the season of Epiphany.

If you’re a real word-hound you can find more definitions online with the always-helpful “Christian Cyclopedia”http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/cyclopedia/

Rev. Tom Chryst is associate pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Racine, Wisconsin.