The Other Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I walked into work today and declared to everyone in earshot, "Tomorrow is the day! We have to decide what we are doing, what we are fasting from, etc." It was my joy when one said, "I knew Lent hadn't started yet, because Angela didn't tell us!" In addition, an email came today from a sweet friend, "What are WE doing for Lent?" Yes, it's time.

For years now as my obsession with God grows ever deeper, celebrating the sacred holidays with gusto has become one of my great joys. If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know Advent is truly my most favorite time of the year. Taking a concentrated amount of time to reflect, meditate and act on the anticipation of the arrival of Jesus (both - the one that already happened and the one to come) has transformed my family's December. It enables us to live Romans 12:1, 2 - not conforming to the world, but being somewhat different in our approach. It's so good.

The 40 days before Easter, Lent, has also taken on new meaning and new prominence on my calendar. In fact, it may be in first place now. We are invited to the undertake the journey with Jesus and thereby prepare ourselves for the two big events that are the pillars of our belief system - the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Typically, these days and weeks should turn our minds to Jesus' ministry here on Earth, specifically leading up to His death on the cross to pay for the sin of mankind, purchasing salvation for all who place their trust in Him. We contemplate the darkness of those days, what it cost Jesus on our behalf (it wasn't pretty), how He suffered willingly, lovingly and ultimately culminate with a grand celebration of His resurrection. The day He rose from the dead, securing eternal life for those who believe! Proof that there is none like Him. While a somber period, the purpose of Lent does not stop at sadness and despair - it points us to the hope of the Resurrection and the day when we will see Him face to face.

Like Advent, Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer. 

Unlike Advent, which is more characterized by excitement and abundance, this is a more solemn season, meant to be a lament. One can't appreciate the light and the miracle of resurrection without spending a significant amount of time remembering the dark side, the sin, the pain, the rejection, the suffering, the death.

Approaching Easter Sunday as a one day celebration with little to no heart preparation is no longer an option for me (or my family who I insist accompany me on this journey). It's too important. If I want annual heart transformation and to present God with pure, meaningful worship, it's going to cost me something. I look forward to fasting. I look forward to denying self on purpose. I've seen the results and I need it again.

So here we are the day before. Time to decide how to make it real.

I guess you could consider this my yearly invitation for you, too, to open your calendar and heart a little wider to approach Easter, the holiday that sets Christians apart, and enter into a journey with Jesus. It's always more fun when you have company.

First, pray. Ask God what He has in mind for you.

This could look like so many things. Focused Bible readings (there is no shortage of printed and digital devotional guides), fasting from something you will truly miss daily, denying of self (when you miss it, you give trade that desire for prayer), and giving to the poor.

As I purge my soul of sin and self, I also empty our home of excess. What can I give away to benefit another (both money and stuff)?

Finally, talk about it, talk about it, talk about it (Deuteronomy 6). I am seeking to know the Greatest Story, the pillars of our faith, with greater familiarity and sharing it with others. It's never just for me.

If you've never done anything like this, explore some of the ideas above. Maybe it will be come the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for you too. Who doesn't want that?

If you have, share some ideas in the comments on my Facebook or Instagram. I love to learn from others. One of my Advent/Lent buddies, when I questioned him today said, "I want to exude so much  joy that people ask me what is wrong or right with me!" Yes!

I will be spending 10 of the 40 days in the Holy Land this Spring. I've been invited by some special friends and in reality by Jesus Himself - an offer I have dreamed of for years to draw near and learn, to walk where He walked, to see what He saw. I will be sure to share pictures and more importantly, the lessons I will learn.

Remember, we start tomorrow at dusk and conclude on Good Friday.

Bible reading, prayer
Confession of sin
Fasting
Giving to the poor

We can do this. We need to do this.

And like every spiritual effort, pass it to the next generation.