Lent is here!

So, a quick overview of Lent: Church tradition began in the early church that the days leading up to Easter, when people would commonly declare their faith, be baptized and join the church would be used for spiritual preparation for these important events.  What has developed for most churches is 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays) people are invited to do spiritual practices, disciplines to help us be more mindful of Christ, what we are celebrating on Easter and to help us grow spiritually.

The most common self-denial or discipline is fasting. Abstaining from food. It might be a certain food that you give up for the season, or you might choose a day or a meal to fast from. As life has changed, the practice of self-denial has grown into including other items that when fasted help us to be open to growing in God's ways. Electronics such as game systems. Or perhaps a game app. Television. Maybe a hobby or habit that is usually a normal part of our lives.

We've also grown into considering things to add in. An extra prayer time, extra Bible reading, attending a Bible study. Perhaps a ministry you haven't done before like working at a food bank or other ministry that helps people. As well there is a long tradition of giving money. Usually a certain amount each day.

Now here is the possibly good news. Lent does not include Sundays! Sunday is the day we set aside to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness we have through Christ because of God's love. So on that day we set aside our self-denial and spend our time in gratitude for God's love.

I've been asked, well what if you mess up during the days of Lent? What if you eat candy and it was what you gave us? The answer is simple. Start over. Even our failures can be opportunities to seek God and learn more about where our heart is. Pray, consider, then start over.

Blessings to all of us in this Lenten season. May be all seek and heart the Lord on how we can each one be involved in purposefully seeking God and growing in God's ways during Lent.

Pastor Alice