08 Feb What Is Lent?

With Christmas season behind us, the hints of spring are already in the air. The sun is noticeably setting later in the day, in a couple of weeks we will be “springing” our clocks forward, and the season of Lent is just now underway. As the year is picking up steam, the Lenten season slows us down as we journey into Easter. The word Lent comes from the Old English word lenten which simply means “spring season.” For the church, Lent is a time to reflect deeply on the nature of our sin and the reality of death, but most importantly Lent is a time to reflect deeply on the cross.

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday when the pastor speaks “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” as he marks your forehead with a cross of black ashes. This service marks the beginning of the forty-day season of Lent, a journey that culminates in three holy days: Maundy-Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Lent calls to repentance, it is an invitation to reflect on your life, a time to consider your need for a savior, and a time to focus on the events that led to the crucifixion and resurrection of your Savior, our Lord Jesus.  Lent is time to meditate on the great cost that your Lord has paid for you and for your salvation. Let’s journey this Lenten season together, as we gather together for a shared meal, as we gather together for evening worship, and as we travel together toward the cross and empty tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a wonderful opportunity we have to share this season as one big family here at Prince of Peace. 

May our Lord bless this Lenten time, as we journey together.

-Pastor Darrin Sheek