Lent - Pt 1

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29 ESV).

In just a few days there will be both celebrations and solemn worship to begin what is commonly known in Christianity as “Lent.” If you have traveled to some of the locations on the Tuesday before lent you know some of the celebrations I reference. My hometown of Galveston, Texas has a week of celebration each year to initiate the Lenten season! In fact, if you go to the website you find this simple explanation: At Mardi Gras! Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the elaborate parades, headliner performances, family events, feasting and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style. Of course, best known for such celebrations is found in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Regardless of the place you may choose to begin your “celebration” of this season, it is important that you not lose the significance of its impact in helping you focus on the most important religious day of the year for Christians. That day is Easter. So, let me begin today with you in a journey taking us to that day. First, a little history and background are is in order. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lengten,” which simply means “spring.” It calls to mind that time of the year when the days lengthen and new life springs forth. It is a time in which we anticipate the victory of the light and life of Christ over the darkness of sin and death. It is, to borrow a phrase from C.S. Lewis, a season of a kind of “happiness and wonder that makes you serious.” Whatever you may do to begin the season it is my prayer that as we take this journey together from Ash Wednesday to Easter, you would be reminded of the reality of our broken humanity; and, as days grow brighter, you would experience with greater abundance the reality of God’s redeeming grace. And so, just as we carefully prepare for big events in our personal lives, such as a wedding or commencement, Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection. That is the message that brings the greatest reason for celebration!