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Lent
Lent is the name given by the Christian Church to a period of 40 days before Easter. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and counts 40 days, excepting Sundays - and ends on Easter Saturday.
The season of Lent has been kept by Christians since at least 325 AD. Lent is a Biblical period of time: the flood- 40 days of rain to cleanse the earth from sin; the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert to prepare themselves for the land promised by God; Moses fasted 40 days before receiving the 10 commandments; and Christ's 40 days fasting and prayer in the desert, before his public ministry of teaching and miracles. Christians imitate this time of Christ's preparation and prayer in the desert during the season of Lent
The word "Lent" is an Old English word which means "to lengthen" -Lent comes as Spring is approaching, when the days get longer and lighter. As we are reminded of the coming of spring, so Lent reminds us of the anniversary of the Resurrection of Christ, who constantly brings new light into the lives of those who accept him.
The 40 days can be a time to review our life in God, to spring-clean the rubbish in our lives, and to make afresh start as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The 40 days are also an opportunity to revitalise our prayer life, and spring forward into a new dimension and devotion to God in prayer, So two things to do in Lent: (1) SPRING-CLEAN our lives (2) SPRING FORWARD in prayer
