Thoughts on Lent

The Lenten season for this year begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6^th,  with the theme of “40 Days of Community.”  Lent has been observed by Christians since the fourth century.  It is a time of reflection, penitence, and spiritual renewal before Easter.  Lent ends midnight on Holy Saturday, the night before Easter Sunday.  During Lent some Christians focus on giving up something. Is it absolutely necessary for the observation of Lent to give up a delicacy, or a bad habit or an hour of sleep in order to pray?

Who can really say?  What one does during the Lenten period should be a matter between you and God.  Some may decide to do something extra for their spiritual growth.  Others may indeed “give up” something that’s a hindrance to spiritual life.  Some may make a special sacrifice of some sort.  And some may decide to improve their communication and fellowship with God by having special times of prayer throughout the day or vow to worship more frequently.

The important thing is to make Lent a special time, a memorable time; a time so meaningful that it sets the tone for the rest of the year.  Lent should be a time of sincere spiritual growth.

May God bless your 2008 Lenten journey!

Peace,

Pastor Mark