Lent is traditionally described as the forty (40) day period commemorating the forty days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry. It is the period during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. The Word “Lent” comes from an old English Word meaning ‘lengthen’ and this is because of the time of year when it happens, as this is when the days start to get longer, as we approach Summer. In the Christian churches, Lent is a period of penitential preparation for Easter and begins on Ash Wednesday for Western churches.
This period ends on Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday, as it is often called. This period covers 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays) and is one of the most significant times of year for Christians worldwide, especially Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox churches. Even non-Christians are of this very significant period, and while they do not claim to be Christians, you sometimes find them participating in the Lenten traditions just the same. Not all Protestants observe Lent. Others recognize Lent, although the extent to which they alter their day-to-day lives varies greatly and is mostly a question of individual conscience.
Unlike other festive holidays and religious periods, Lent is considered a sober occasion. This is mainly because that the season is a preparation for commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Rather than a period of celebration per se, Lent calls for self-examination and penitence, prayer, fasting, and practicing works of love and self-sacrifice. As Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, some churches symbolize this by placing ashes on the foreheads of congregants, often in the shape of a cross.
One of the overarching traditions of Lent is fasting, giving up luxuries, or abstinence. It is customary to embark on voluntary self-denial as you offer yourself to God.
Fasting is normally practiced by most, if not all, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in particular. Some may choose to have one simple meal for the day, while others may choose not to eat at all. Then there is the general abstinence from meat, especially on those two days and throughout the period. Persons will avoid red meat in all its forms and eat fish or vegetables throughout Lent. Persons may also choose to eliminate one entire food group or specific foods as a part of this observance. Important to note, however, is that abstinence for Lent is not limited to food.
Throughout Lent, persons also abstain from or limit favorite activities, including sports, parties, movies, drinking alcohol, smoking, series binging, social media, and other habits. The general understanding is that Lent is a period of repentance and renewal, so self-denial is obligatory. As persons remember the temptation of Christ and how he resisted through stellar self-discipline and control, Christ-followers also choose to demonstrate self-control as they abstain from different pleasures.
Others go beyond just abstinence to actually give up certain practices and habits or taking on new practices. As such, some persons will completely quit smoking, gambling, and other vices while others seek opportunities to volunteer at shelters, help out more at home, or generally adopt a kinder and more caring demeanor while engaging in charitable work.
Finally, Lent's predominant spirit is one of repentance as we ponder the reality of the mammoth sacrifice that Jesus had to make for our sins. As we consider the cross and understand the price that had to be paid to redeem us from the curse of sin, we acknowledge our need for repentance and forgiveness with deep humility. As we fast and abstain, we let go of the distractions to have a closer walk with God.
We traditionally spend more time in prayer and Bible Study or reading devotional materials such as those on the Amen App. The purpose of Lent is to fully recognize our brokenness and our need for a Savior. This attitude of penitence and humility gives way to a deeper communion with God. Lent minimizes idolatry with self-denial and self-discipline, and those who observe Lent correctly benefit from deeper intimacy with the Lord.