“I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” – John 12:46
The season of Lent is a wonderful season in our life of faith. Lent is 40 days of preparation, focusing on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The 40 days begin on Ash Wednesday and end on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Lent does not include any Sunday because Christians have long considered each Sunday a celebration of the resurrection. The word Lent comes from the Old English word “lencten,” which means the “lengthen.” This word was used because the season of Lent always takes place in the spring, and it reflects the lengthening of the days. Lent is a journey from darkness to light and allows us to fix our eyes and heart on God’s great gift of love and grace. The season of Lent helps us prepare for the great celebration of Easter.
Throughout history, Christians have developed many wonderful practices that help us prepare for Easter. Lent is a time of introspection and repentance. It is a specific time that is set apart to deny ourselves, and give ourselves to God and others. Often, during Lent, Christians will fast. A fast can be as simple as giving up coffee or soda for 40 days or choosing to set aside a significant part of the day to not eat. When we fast, we work to fill that time with prayer, study, or service to others.
I first was challenged to fast during the season of Lent when I was in high school. It was really challenging. You never desire to eat more than when you are not allowed to do so. Yet, I found it interesting that each time I was confronted with desire to eat what I had chosen to abstain from, I had a moment to pray and remember why I was fasting. Fasting during Lent has been part of my faith journey ever since. It is amazing to see how giving up something as small as a glass of coke will open your eyes and heart to the light and love of Christ.
As we begin the season of Lent, I want to encourage you to find a daily practice that helps you to consider the grace and love of our Lord, Jesus. If we are intentional about opening ourselves to God’s amazing grace, we will find that we move each day closer and closer to God. This journey will help to move us from selfishness to love. It will take us from the cold and dark of life’s trials and struggles to the warmth and light of a living Christ who has come to this world to be with us, His children.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
