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Lent. It’s a word that can evoke images of sacrifice, solemnity, and maybe even a little dread. But at its heart, Lent is a beautiful invitation – a 40-day journey inward, a time to draw closer to Christ and reflect on the immense sacrifice He made for us. This year Lent begins on Wednesday March 5, 2025, and ends on Thursday April 17, 2025 (Ash Wednesday to the Thursday before Good Friday)
For Christians, Lent is a season of preparation, a time to purify our hearts and minds as we anticipate the celebration of Easter. It's a period of intentional reflection, repentance, and renewal. It's not about grim self-denial for its own sake, but rather about creating space for God to work in our lives.
Why Lent?
Lent mirrors Jesus's 40 days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1-11 NIV [1] Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Lent is a time to acknowledge our human frailty and our need for God's grace. It's a chance to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and turn away from anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
The Power of Sacrifice
Traditionally, Lent involves giving up something – a practice that symbolizes Jesus's ultimate sacrifice. This isn't about earning God's favor, but about creating space for Him. By removing distractions and indulgences, we can focus more intently on prayer, scripture, and service.
What to Give Up (or Take On)?
Lent isn't just about deprivation. It's also about cultivating positive habits that draw us closer to God. Here are a few suggestions:
Social Media
Consider taking a break from social media. This can free up time for prayer, reading scripture, and meaningful conversations.
Philippians 4:8 NIV[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Mindless Entertainment
Reduce your consumption of television, movies, or video games. Instead, engage in activities that nourish your soul, such as reading spiritual books, listening to worship music, or spending time in nature.
Colossians 3:1-4 NIV[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Excessive Spending
Practice generosity by giving to those in need.
Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Negative Habits
Identify habits that hinder your spiritual growth, such as gossip, complaining, or excessive criticism. Make a conscious effort to replace these habits with positive ones, such as speaking words of encouragement and practicing gratitude.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV [8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines
Instead of only taking things away, add in some new (to some of us) habits.
Lent is a journey of transformation, a time to allow God to refine us and mold us into Jesus' image.
Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Lent is a season of grace, a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.
Romans 8:31-39 NIV [31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
During Lent, as we emulate Christ's wilderness experience, we create space to witness His power working within us, leading to spiritual growth and renewal.
As we journey through Lent, may we find ourselves stripped down, humbled, and ultimately, more deeply connected to the One who gave everything for us.
Lent isn't about wallowing in self-pity or focusing on what we're missing. It's about embracing the simplicity of Christ's love and allowing Him to transform our hearts. It's a time to remember that true freedom comes not from worldly possessions or fleeting pleasures, but from a deep and abiding relationship with God.
For Christians, Lent is a season of preparation, a time to purify our hearts and minds as we anticipate the celebration of Easter. It's a period of intentional reflection, repentance, and renewal. It's not about grim self-denial for its own sake, but rather about creating space for God to work in our lives.
Why Lent?
Lent mirrors Jesus's 40 days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1-11 NIV [1] Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Lent is a time to acknowledge our human frailty and our need for God's grace. It's a chance to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and turn away from anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
The Power of Sacrifice
Traditionally, Lent involves giving up something – a practice that symbolizes Jesus's ultimate sacrifice. This isn't about earning God's favor, but about creating space for Him. By removing distractions and indulgences, we can focus more intently on prayer, scripture, and service.
What to Give Up (or Take On)?
Lent isn't just about deprivation. It's also about cultivating positive habits that draw us closer to God. Here are a few suggestions:
Social Media
Consider taking a break from social media. This can free up time for prayer, reading scripture, and meaningful conversations.
Philippians 4:8 NIV[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Mindless Entertainment
Reduce your consumption of television, movies, or video games. Instead, engage in activities that nourish your soul, such as reading spiritual books, listening to worship music, or spending time in nature.
Colossians 3:1-4 NIV[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Excessive Spending
Practice generosity by giving to those in need.
Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Negative Habits
Identify habits that hinder your spiritual growth, such as gossip, complaining, or excessive criticism. Make a conscious effort to replace these habits with positive ones, such as speaking words of encouragement and practicing gratitude.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV [8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines
Instead of only taking things away, add in some new (to some of us) habits.
- Set aside dedicated time for prayer and meditation.
- Read and reflect on the Gospels, focusing on Jesus's journey to the cross.
- Volunteer your time and talents to serve others.
Lent is a journey of transformation, a time to allow God to refine us and mold us into Jesus' image.
Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Lent is a season of grace, a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.
Romans 8:31-39 NIV [31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
During Lent, as we emulate Christ's wilderness experience, we create space to witness His power working within us, leading to spiritual growth and renewal.
As we journey through Lent, may we find ourselves stripped down, humbled, and ultimately, more deeply connected to the One who gave everything for us.
Lent isn't about wallowing in self-pity or focusing on what we're missing. It's about embracing the simplicity of Christ's love and allowing Him to transform our hearts. It's a time to remember that true freedom comes not from worldly possessions or fleeting pleasures, but from a deep and abiding relationship with God.
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