Today is March the first, Ash Wednesday. The first day of Lent 2017. On April 16th we will celebrate Resurrection Day and the glorious celebration, declaring…
He IS Risen!
He is risen INDEED!
I want to share a few Lent facts with you today:
- Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity. It occurs 46 days (40 fasting days, if the six Sundays, which are not days of fast, are excluded) before Easter and can fall as early as February 4th or as late as March 10th.
- The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, alms-giving, atonement, and self-denial. This event is observed by Christians in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic Churches.
- Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
- Lent is a season of 40 days, NOT counting Sunday’s, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Sunday’s in Lent are not counted in the 40 days because each Sunday represents a mini-Easter and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.
♥♥♥
We have just returned from an eleven-day trip to Florida. We have visited family and friends and had an awesome time. Today, we are back to work and being “reg’ler!” I like reg’ler.
I have lots of things to process and pictures to post and experiences to share but first I must unpack and think about what’s for supper! See you very soon.
And, just in case you meant to but haven’t yet….click on the image below and get your very own copy of 40 Days!
Excited to begin the journey!
Sestra, I’m sure you’ve already read the whole book? Don’t forget to give to your friends…..
I didn’t know Sundays weren’t included in Lent. I’ve never been in a church that really observed it, so this was interesting!
The older I get? The more I honor LENT. xo
I came from a church that did not celebrate Lent, and my present church does not celebrate it either, so these are facts that I did not know. Thanks for sharing them!
Ruth, thank YOU for coming by.
Ditto what Ruth said. My husband has been talking about it and wanting to observe Lent, so I’m glad for the overview. I had been wondering. Thanks.
Oh great, Kelly. A Lent convert? 😉
Susan, interesting to read the facts about Lent as it was not a part of my growing up days. May these coming days change us so that our hearts and lives become more like His. xo
It wasn’t part of mine either – but as a grown-up whose heart desire is to follow Christ more closely? I love the discipline of LENT. xo
Thanks for this overview. And I’m glad that you had a few days away in the midst of all your busy-ness. Blessings to you!
Michele, Maine is always on the opposite end of our travels…maybe one day friend. Will you make me pizza? xo
Have been Catholic all my life so I’m very familiar with Lent. Don’ t forget, you don’t have to self deny. You can serve the poor or sick in some way or carve out more “prayer ” time in your busy day etc. I don’t know exactly when the Sunday exemption started. Don’t remember that growing up. Maybe my mom just didn’t want me eating candy the whole time!
Janet! So very good to see you here – we just drove (sort of) by Micanopy and thought of you and Joe. Next time, a side trip?
Please do stop. We’re a mile and a half off I 75. Let us know.
Oh my word, we were RIGHT THERE. Yes, definitely next time.
Have never participated in Lent but one time. Gave up???. It’s been so long I don’t remember. Will think about this today.
Okay!!! I am not giving up this year. I am taking on… we will talk.
The facts about Lent are interesting as it’s not something my church really does. I just finished another devotional book and was looking for something new so I have downloaded the Kindle version of your book and look forward to the journey through Lent.
Lesley, the Kindle version will be an easy and quick access to the principles and ponderings! I emailed you.
So glad you had a lovely break away, but great to have you safely home enjoying reg’ler. I like that as well. We were in Indy last week for a grandson’s basketball tourney and it was great to be there, but very nice to be back home again.
Thanks for the overview of Lent, its purpose, and meaning. I look forward to checking out the book.
Blessings and hugs!
Pam, I would be honored to hear your thoughts on the book! xo
I was not raised in church, so the traditions and the special moments of the church calendar are always a new and a special event for me. Our congregation doesn’t particularly practice lent but I have a often tried to follow along , choosing to set aside that time to give up for God and prepare my heart for the message of His passionate act of love that we celebrate on Easter.
So glad you are sharing that with others.
Blessings!
Dawn
Dawn, I’m so glad you visited me today! Lent is a holy practice.
I have a lot of friends who observe Lent, but I’ve never done so myself, Susan. I really think it’s a great way to prepare your heart and mind for celebrating Resurrection Day–just like advent is to Christmas. I’m curious are you of one of those denominations/faiths that you mentioned earlier who observe Lent? And if so, which one? I’m excited to hear about all that you learn from the Lord through this time of focused devotion.
We are non-denomination, Jesus-following, evangelical, believers! Lent is observed but not practiced! However, I love Lent and what it represents – therefore, I am a participant, a loyal participant!!!
Susan, thank you for the education on Lent. I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and didn’t learn much about Lent until the last decade or so. I is nice to have it so clearly explained. I enjoy learning more about Passover as well. Like the word reg’ler too!
Christina, more discipline, more holy-living, more seeking Jesus is never wrong, is it?
I didnt realize lent didnt include sundays. I like how you refer to it as an easter celebration each week as we prepare for his death and resurrection! 🙂
Yes! And, Amanda? I didn’t know that either until this year!
Thank you for sharing your heart (and the Lord’s Words!) concerning this season. I’ve been so blessed by the questions that you have ended each chapter with–I know I’ve been reading ahead of time. Just one example that challenged me, from Chapter 17: “We are greatly blessed to have access to the Bible . . . do we take full advantage of this phenomenal privilege and blessing?”
BettieG, your comments bless ME. And, it’s okay if you read ahead – there’s no rules – we’ve been set free, remember!!!!
Thank you for the history lesson on Lent! I’d never heard of it (I belong to a church not on your list of Lent observers) until my first year teaching when a student came to class with a dirty forehead. When I motioned to her that she had something on her forehead, she said, “No, Missus! It’s ash.” At my blank look, she said, “for Lent!”
You always have a good teacher story….Lent was NOT a part of my growing up either but I have found it an excellent practice. xo
Baked ham, scalloped potatoes and almond cake is what’s for supper tonight. We have a member that makes Lenten meals that are fancy and celebrate Gods abundance.
How nice is that?
Our Church family doesn’t observe Lent but I’ve been thinking about it recently as it was something I was familiar with as a child. There’s so much emphasis on Christmas but Easter always arrives suddenly and I think we aren’t really prepared for the magnitude of what it really means.
And, Carol, without the Resurrection Christ’s birth is of no account!
Susan – thanks for linking up and sharing about my #TuneInThursday linkup. You are awesome. You know, I have never really attended a church that celebrates the full lent season, so I have a lot of learning to do and this was most helpful. Thanks again for just being you. You are amazing!
Amazing might be stretchchching it a bit!!!
I always wondered why the 40 days of Lent seemed so long (smile)… thanks for the insight Susan.
Because it is!!! Thank YOU, Ami.
I’m with Melissa… I didn’t realize Sundays were not included in the fast of Lent. I’m already a couple of days behind because, Life! But I’m excited to dive in to this season with you!
Not to worry, Ms K…you have a free day every week to catch up.
I read almost all the comments and I see many including myself did not know much about this so..I think your book is really a unique help then! I am with you, Susan. Anything to help learn to be more like Jesus is only a good kind of help. Thanks for linking up too!
Meg, we are on this mission together. I help you, you help me and Jesus is Lord of all!!!
Don’t know much about Lent….thank you for the facts. Started reading the scriptures regarding Lent a couple of days ago and set my phone to remind me every day! Glad you and Lowell are home safe from your sabbatical!
Lent is a good, good thing Sandy!