Many people contemplate what to give up for lent, but do they actually know what they are celebrating and why they are giving up certain pleasures? Traditionally, Catholics and some Christians observe and participate in this season by fasting in remembrance of the 40 days and nights that Jesus spent fasting in the desert while also being tempted by the devil. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting, and repentance. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants to either the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
Lent is a time to focus on God and be more disciplined in order to further one’s relationship with God. Some people temporarily give up certain foods, social media, and certain words and behaviors. It’s also a time when many Christ followers prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ- – his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection. So if you’re participating in Lent what are you giving up?
Here are some examples: (Choose to pick one thing or more if you desire.)
- Comparing Yourself to Others
- Complaining
- Social Media
- Gossip
- Clutter
- Negative words
- Wine/Alcohol
- Procrastinating
- Smoking
- Coffee
- Television
- Sodas
- Shopping
- Fried foods
- Dining Out
- Bad Habits
- Video Games
- Sweets/candy/desserts
- Criticizing Yourself and/or Others
- Talking About Yourself (unless someone asks you a direct question)
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One reply on “What is Lent?”
Thanks for the history lesson!