As I read this today, I was reminded of the Lenten devotionals that we used to write at the Wesley Foundation. Peter wrote it. Hope it means something to you, too.
Amanda
The following first appeared in the First United Methodist Church of Cullman weekly newsletter Vol.66, No.8.
Today marks the first Sunday in Lent, the forty-day season of preparation and penitence before Easter. You will notice that our sanctuary will be decorated during Lent in purple, a reminder of the importance of repentance to this season of preparation. Lent was a time in the early church for training new converts to Christianity who would be baptized on Easter Sunday, thus it has always been tied to giving up certain harmful practices and taking on more beneficial practices. We hope that you will continue that tradition.
Many people during this season give something up for Lent or take on additional spiritual disciplines. Although many of the things that I have seen people give up are simple things like chocolate, caffeine, or playing cards on the computer, giving up simple things can be a reminder throughout Lent of Jesus' sacrifice for us (not to mention the health or time benefits). Taking on a spiritual discipline such as an extended daily prayer time, reading one or all of the gospels, or giving the money you would have spent on Coke to a worthy cause can also deepen your experience of Lent as we prepare for Easter.
Last Sunday, one of the sixth-graders in confirmation asked, "why are we always preparing? Do we ever just do anything?" There's some truth in that question, as Lent without Easter is useless. It is important that we celebrate Christ's victory over death, and each Sunday is in some ways a "mini-Easter" (which is why Lent is actually 46 days; Sundays do not count). Yet Easter without Lent can actually be equally meaningless. The way of Christ leads through the wilderness, into Jerusalem, and finally to the cross, and we will follow Jesus on that path each Sunday of Lent, moving closer and closer to God's ultimate act of redemption in Jesus Christ. Commit your self to truly experience Lent this year, and you will more deeply understand what it means to be an Easter people.
