The Season of Lent

Beginning February 6, 2008, most Protestants and Catholics around the world begin the observance of Lent, the 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays). Easter is the most special day of the year for Christians because it is the day that Jesus was raised from the dead.

Lent is a time for personal reflection and examination. As is custom, Christians are to “give up” something that is important to them. Some examples are: Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, sodas, chocolate, meat or even things such as excessive Internet use or watching television. The idea is that you will have more time for examining your relationship with Christ and others and hopefully, discover areas in your life in which you can improve. There are those that “take up” something that they consider important. Volunteering, exercising, reading the Bible more or increasing prayer time are good examples of activities one can “take up”.

The Tuesday before the beginning of Lent is known as Shrove Tuesday or the more common, Mardis Gras (French for Fat Tuesday). A day of public revelry and carnivals, it is considered the last chance to do things you normally wouldn’t do during Lent. It is traditional to eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Why? In ages past, people were not allowed to consume, among other things, milk, eggs or fat during Lent. Since these were three staples found in most homes, one of the most practical ways to use all three while you still could was to make up a big stack of pancakes.

The first day of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday because of the tradition of having a service in which ashes are placed on the foreheads of believers and we are told “dust you are and to dust you shall return,” to remind us why Easter is so important.

The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is one of great anticipation and preparation. It begins on the Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday. The Gospels describe how Jesus came into Jerusalem and people there lay down small branches of trees (palms) on which He stepped. Thursday of Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday commemorating the Last Supper shared by Christ with his disciples. Maundy is derived through Middle English and Old French, mandatum. It is at the beginning of the prayer for washing of feet, commemorating Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet. Good Friday follows, the day in which Christians remember Christ’s crucifixion and burial. Finally, Easter Sunday arrives, the day when Jesus Christ was resurrected. Many churches have sunrise services to begin this most special day.

Do Christians really have to observe all of these customs? Of course not. Neither do they have to have a Christmas tree or wear a cross around their necks. There are many Christian customs, not because we are keeping some kind of rule, but to help us remember, to add to our celebration, and to foster a greater sense of community

Article by Tabitha Webb, webmaster for Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, Kentucky.  She can be reached via e-mail at twebb@middlesborodailynews.com.  Article posted here by permission.