Introduction

Lent is a season in Christian Church calendar year lasting for 40 days (excluding Sundays) beginning at Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. This season is a somber period of spiritual self-reflection, examination and repentance from one’s sins while Christians focus on Jesus’ life and death on the cross. It is also a season to spiritually prepare God’s people to celebrate the full glory of Easter morning when Jesus rose from the dead in order that we might experience new life, renewed hope, and a personal relationship with God.

Why 40 days?

The number of days in Lent helps Christians to recall two stories from the Bible. The first comes from the Old Testament story when the Israelite nation was forced to wander in the desert for 40 years before entering the Promised Land because they rebelled against God. The second is the New Testament story of Christ’s 40 days spent in the wilderness when he was tempted by Satan.

What do Christians do?

Christians often practice some form of spiritual discipline during this season. Some might decide to pursue moderation or complete abstinence from chocolate, Facebook, and other pleasures and vices. Others practice fasting, repentance, meditation and other spiritual disciplines.

Why Lent?

Christians take this opportunity to reflect on and repent from their sins. They desire to reorient their focus back to God by pondering Jesus, the Savior who was pierced, crushed, and sorely wounded for their sake on the cross. Although somber, Christians also eagerly look forward to celebrating the fullness and glorious morning of Easter Sunday when Christ rose from the dead and defeated sin and death so that we might have new life, hope, and a personal relationship with God!