It’s that time of year again where, traditionally, people are giving up something for Lent. Like many traditions, many have forgotten about the roots of Lent and are prone to feasting on Shrove Tuesday and then changing nothing over the next 40 days or choosing to give up chocolate for it (please note: there is nothing wrong with this in-and-of itself). However, it’s important to note that there is so much more involved when it comes to Lent. It’s less about what you do and more about where your heart is.
Why Lent?
In the beginning, Adam and Eve stood in a garden of abundance and fell to temptation. They doubted God’s goodness, grasped for autonomy, and brought death into the world. Every one of us has walked in their footsteps, choosing our own way over God’s word.
But where Adam failed, Jesus our King succeeded.
After 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus faced Satan’s assault. He was hungry, alone, vulnerable. Three times the enemy struck: questioning his identity, twisting Scripture, and offering shortcuts to glory. Three times, Jesus answered with the Word of God, refusing to act independently of the Father, refusing the crown without the cross.
Lent invites us into this story.
For 40 days, we can choose to walk with Jesus through the wilderness toward Jerusalem. We can acknowledge our participation in Adam’s rebellion: our own grasping for control, our doubts about God’s character, our pursuit of comfort over obedience. We can consider practising the ancient rhythms of fasting, prayer, and repentance, not to earn God’s favour (grace has already secured that), but to loosen sin’s grip and deepen our dependence on him.
The Meaning of Lent
Appropriately, Lent means simply “spring” – which is apt for the Northern Hemisphere – the season of lengthening days, of creation awakening from winter’s death. As the earth comes back to life, as its increasing light drives out darkness, we prepare our hearts to celebrate Resurrection. Regardless of where you are based in the world, Lent is an invitation to get involved.
Your Invitation
The invitation of Lent isn’t about rigid rules or joyless obligation. It’s about making space: removing distractions, fasting from what enslaves us, and filling that space with Scripture, prayer, and service. It’s 40 days of saying, “Not my will, but yours,” so that when Easter morning comes, we’re ready to receive afresh the wonder that Christ has done what we could not do.
Will you accept the invitation?