Monthly Reflections – The Season of Lent
The Season of Lent
On Wednesday, March 1, we will have an Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at the Weddington campus. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a forty-day period, not counting Sundays, before Easter.
The season of Lent is a time of preparation and repentance. Lent is a time for us to examine our lives carefully as we walk with Jesus once again into Jerusalem where he is to be crucified for our sins on Good Friday. The color for the season of Lent is purple to symbolize repentance as well as celebrate the royalty of God’s anointed one, the Messiah, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The season of Lent is a time to consider all that Jesus gave up for us:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NRSV)
To help us remember how Jesus denied himself, many people “give up” something for the season of Lent. Some give up a favorite food or beverage while others give up certain activities. Others, recognizing all that Jesus “took on” for our salvation, will take on something for the season of Lent. Some will take on a more disciplined prayer and devotional life by adding reading and prayer time to each day. Some will commit to give time to ministry or missions. The main point is that it is a time of spiritual examination.
The season of Lent has also been the traditional time for preparing persons for church membership. This is why our confirmation classes are held during the season of Lent with those who are ready to commit their lives to Christ, doing so on Palm Sunday. As we prepare our youth to “confirm” their faith, we are all called to recommit our lives and examine our commitment to Christ and his Church. It is during this time that we are reminded that the Christian life is a life-long process of growth.
I invite you to join me during this holy season as we examine our walk with Christ and renew our commitment to Christ.
In ministry together,
Rev. Dr. Terry L. Moore
Senior Pastor