The season of Lent is a time Christians have set aside to prepare for the great celebration of Easter. Lent is 40 days of preparation, not including Sundays, because every Sunday is a day to celebrate the gift of our Lord Jesus. The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. The early church chose 40 days as the length of time because that is how long Jesus spent in the wilderness: fasting, praying, and being tempted. (Matthew 4:1-11) Lent is a gift to the people of faith, as it draws us close to our God and helps make us more aware of the gift of life that comes through Easter.
Throughout history, Christians have used many practices to help make the journey of Lent a more tangible and meaningful experience. Like Jesus in the wilderness, Christians often use fasting, additional times of prayer, and study to help better connect ourselves with the God who loves us so greatly that He would endure the cross, the grave, and the resurrection to bring new life filled with hope and joy to us. Lent is a gift. It is a time to change our ordinary practices so that we can connect with the extraordinary.
I have tried many practices during Lent. Most commonly, I have given up many of the foods that I enjoy. It is a challenging exercise to deny oneself. This is why Jesus, during his 40 days in the wilderness, said, “It is written, one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This statement is not simply Jesus saying we do not need food. This is a reminder that we have life because of God. In the first chapter of the book of Genesis, we learn that God speaks and humanity comes into existence. Jesus is reminding us that our life is a gift of God, and our daily bread is a gift of God.
Because the purpose of Lent is to connect us to the One who gives us life, I have found that it is not enough to deny ourselves, we must take the time to connect with the One who speaks to us today. If you fast from lunch, spend that time reading scripture and praying. Find a new Bible study to grow in your faith. When we fast from something particular, we create time and space for God to do something new in us and through us. Lent is a gift. I hope you will join me this season and connect with the One who loves us and wants to give us the gift of life, abundant and full.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
