The Season of Lent

Lent is a extra-biblical Christian season.  It ("Lent") is not specifically mentioned in scripture and is not defined until the 4th century but it does have some valuable characteristics. Like all things though man can turn it into a legalistic religious ritual.  This article will explain what it is, the value in it, and how it is abused.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Every year Christians gather for a 'special' Sunday service called Easter Sunday.  The roots of the chosen time of the year comes from a annual pagan celebration of fertility that the church wanted to "Christianize" and have their own in contrast.  It was very controversial in the church to celebrate the passion of Christ during that pagan holiday but the church remained unified and agreed on the season.  So now as culture and church blended we have Easter bunnies and colorful eggs in our Easter Sunday church services.  As society becomes more secular and the church blends more into the world the true meaning of the celebration of the passion of Christ is hidden behind the popularized pagan symbols. 

The church needs to refocus its attention away from fun loving cultural symbols and on the person and work of Jesus Christ during this season.  It needs to celebrate the meaning of the cross for all the world to see.  It is not Easter Sunday but Resurrection Sunday.  It is not about eggs symbolizing fertility but The Cross; Christ's death and resurrection.

This is what we celebrate in the week (Holy Week) leading up to and on Resurrection Sunday:

• Sunday before Resurrection day is the remembrance of Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem known as Palm Sunday.
• Thursday is remembrance of the Last Supper and the commission of Communion.
• Friday is the remembrance of Christ's crucifixion and death on the Cross known as Good Friday.
• Saturday is self reflection and rest and remembrance of Christ resting after finishing atonement.
• Sunday is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead!