The season of Lent is the forty day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Day (not including Sundays) that has been observed by the Christian church for centuries. Lent is not mentioned in the Bible (nor is it compulsory) yet it can be a helpful period to help us draw closer to God through repentance and renewal. 

The focus of Lent is not to ‘build up spiritual muscle’ nor ‘earn favour with God’, but to grow in our relationship with God along with our gratitude for his love—particularly that poured out for us on the cross. With a renewed honesty with God, we lament our sin and acknowledge our mortality, deepening our recognition for our need for God. This season provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare well to celebrate Easter and God’s ultimate provision for us through his Son. 

Whether you’re familiar with Lent or not, I’d love to encourage you to consider ways that would help you to prepare well to celebrate Easter this year. This might include a renewed focus on repentance, a focused reading of one of the Gospels (like John!), and even considering how the practice of fasting may help you to grow in your dependence on God. 

• If you would like to read a book on Lent, then I would highly recommend Esau McCaulley’s short and highly accessible book, “Lent”. 
• If you’re not part of a small group, then I’d also love to encourage you to consider joining one — trying one out — in the lead up to Easter. This will be particularly helpful as we continue in the Gospel of John!