Each year, the Church prepares for the joy of Resurrection Sunday, a journey that, for most, begins 40 days earlier on Ash Wednesday.
Dr. David Michael Woodward, interim pastor of Metropolitan Bible Church, emphasizes the significance of this day: “Lent is the most important holiday season for the Christian Church because it celebrates Resurrection Sunday. At Christmas, we celebrate the incarnation in which Jesus, the eternal Son of God, became man, and at Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate His triumph over sin, death, and the grave.”
Like many Christian traditions, Lent can be observed in various ways. However, most participants engage in some form of contemplation regarding the death of Christ and humanity’s role in it. Some also practice fasting by giving up something to focus more on God. However, according to Woodward, not all churches observe this tradition: “The practice of giving up something is more commonly associated with more formal and liturgical churches, such as the Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church, and those that follow the liturgical calendar. Most evangelicals don’t give up anything for Lent.”
Despite differences in fasting practices, many Christian traditions observe key days of the Lenten season, even if they do not follow the entire liturgical calendar. Woodward explains,
“They tend to celebrate the important days of the Lenten season, such as Palm Sunday, the week before Resurrection Sunday. It is a day of celebration to create the sense of excitement that Jesus generated when He rode into the city the week before His death. Then, we celebrate Good Friday, which is anything but good because Jesus died on the cross on a Friday. That day is often commemorated with a very somber, sober, contemplative service as we reflect on the great sacrifice that Jesus made. Three days after the darkness of Good Friday, we celebrate the exuberance and joy of the resurrection. Some celebrate Maundy Thursday, which often includes foot washing and other ways to remember the person and suffering of Christ.”
Regardless of denomination, the practice of reflection during Lent serves as a reminder of the broader spiritual perspective. It offers an opportunity to step away from daily struggles and recognize that this life is temporary. Lent encourages believers to live in hope for the kingdom of God–present, coming, and yet to come.
Photo by: Katherine Baker