Lent is a 40 day season of preparation for celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection. The word “Lent” comes from Old English for spring. Outside of English speaking countries Lent is called “Quadragesima” which means fortieth day.

The 40 day season is patterned on Jesus’ 40 days of being tested in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). Other biblical 40s that Lent may recall are 40 days of rain at Noah’s flood, Moses’ 40 days on Mt. Sinai, the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness; Elijah’s 40 day walk to Horeb, and Jonah’s 40 day warning to Nineveh.

Before the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 AD, new believers in Christ received 40 days of intensive instruction before being baptized on Easter. To remember and renew the spiritual vigor of baptism, as early as 190 AD Christians undertook the disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving during Lent. Over the centuries this evolved into elaborate rules.

After centuries of avoiding Lent because it is not mentioned in the New Testament and because of its implicit baggage of trying to please God by good works, Protestants are rediscovering the value of an annual season of spiritual renewal and refreshment. As the new life of spring emerges from the winter drab and we anticipate the celebrating Easter, our Lenten disciplines draw our attention to the joyful hope of Jesus’ resurrection. Thus, the Sundays, which honor Jesus’ resurrection are not counted in the 40 days of Lent.

The seasonal color for Lent is purple, symbolizing the suffering of humanity as well as Jesus’ crucifixion pain. As the color of royalty, it also anticipates that through his death and resurrection, Jesus is the King of eternal life. Out of respect for Jesus’ crucifixion and acknowledging our need for repentance, “alleluia” is not sung in worship during Lent. The tradition of not eating meat during Lent (or on Fridays) is a symbolic acknowledgement of Jesus broken body in crucifixion.

Our theme for this Lent is “Unbinding Your Heart: 40 days of prayer and faith sharing.” Our purpose is renewing our relationships with God, each other and our neighbors.