Lent 2012
February 21, 2012
What is Lent?
Lent is a season of reflection and repentance. During Lent, we prepare ourselves to fully experience the meaning of the cross on Good Friday and the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. Just as we carefully prepare for big events in our personal lives—a wedding, graduation, or a big move—Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating his resurrection.
When is Lent?
The forty days of Lent are thought of as a journey through the wilderness. They begin on Ash Wednesday (February 22) and continue until Easter, not counting Sundays (which are considered days of celebration). The practice of a forty-day season of Lent began during the third and fourth centuries. The number forty carries biblical significance based on the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness and Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness.
What should I do during Lent?
- Be intentional. Even if this is a strange idea to you, give special focus to your journey of faith during this season. Just try it. Decide ahead of time what you will do to observe Lent this year.
- Give something up. Historically, Christians have “given something up” during Lent as a way to focus on their relationship with God. Most often, fasting from certain foods or drinks is encouraged. You may choose to skip a meal each day during Lent (unless you have health considerations that would prohibit this). Some give up specific things such as meat, caffeine/coffee, alcohol, sweets, processed foods or beverages other than water. Others give up television; the internet, social media or email; reading books, magazines or newspapers; shopping; or listening to music. None of these things are inherently bad, but any of them can become overly important in our lives. The idea is to abstain from these subtle but powerful influences during Lent and refocus our attention on what God wants to teach us. It is an opportunity to forgo these good things that we enjoy in order to identify with Jesus and remember the sacrifice that he made for us.
- Take something up. Pray more. Read the Bible. Serve others. Walk alone with God. Take up a new habit and do something you don’t normally do during Lent.
Church Services During Lent
Ash Wednesday – February 22
- Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent; no services at NDC, but consider attending a service with our friends at Denver Community Church (denverchurch.org) or TNL Church (tnl.org)
Sundays – February 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1
- NDC at 5 pm
Good Friday Tenebrae Service – April 6
- NDC will join numerous other churches; details at newdenver.org
Easter Sunday – April 8
- 5pm at NDC
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