What is Lent? Lent is the 40 days before Easter Sunday. During this time, Christians around the world remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, bringing us eternal life with Him.
What is Lent and Why Do We Observe It?
During the season of Lent, Christians observe Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and is the 40 days before Easter. (Lent is technically 46 days because the Sundays during this time period are not counted._
Easter Sunday is when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for sins, and His resurrection claimed victory over death, which means you can have eternal life with God when you trust in Jesus as your Savior.
Do You Need to Observe Lent?
Lent is observed in the Catholic church and in some Protestant (typically the more traditional) denominations. The word “Lent” is not in the Bible, and therefore not required to be observed. The tradition was started by the church in the 4th century.
Lent is a time when Christians focus on Jesus’ death and sacrifice. It is a somber time, yet also a time of celebration in the sense that Christians remember and realize the importance of the great gift that has been given.
Should You Fast During Lent?
Typically Lent has been a time of fasting and self-denial, especially in Catholic traditions in the past. It is important to note that fasting or other traditions such as these do not give you extra blessings from God. Romans 5:17 says, “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
Read more here: 50 Things You Could Give Up for Lent This Year
Grace is a free gift through Jesus. You do not earn God’s good favor.
The Bible also says that fasting should be done privately. Matthew 6:16-18 says, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is between you and God.
Click here for a free printable of 5 powerful prayers for fasting.
Fasting During Lent – Tips and Considerations
Lent is called a time of “keeping the fast”. Fasting can include a time of doing without food, such as eating only one meal a day. Fasting can also mean doing without certain foods, like not eating meat or not eating meat on Fridays. Some people choose to give up a favorite food during Lent, like chocolate or Coke. Others might choose to fast from TV viewing or social media.
People might fast in order to go through a wilderness time (as Jesus did, Matthew 4:1-11) in order to spend extra time in reflection and prayer. You might sacrifice something to remember Jesus’ amazing sacrifice for you.
Lent is also called a time of “keeping the silence”. During worship in a Catholic or traditional Protestant church that observes Lent, you may notice changes. The paraments (cloths on the altar) are purple or a dark color.
Crosses and other religious artwork may be veiled with a transparent dark cloth. Music is more somber, and many churches choose not to say or sing the word “alleluia” during the Lenten season. Sundays may be an exception, which are considered a “mini-Easter”.
Because of my history with unhealthy eating patterns, I do not typically fast from food because this can lead to binge eating tendencies. I have fasted from other activities, such as television or social media.
Lent can be a powerful time of reflection as part of your Christian walk. This year, I encourage you to use this season as a way to grow closer to Jesus as you consider his sacrifice for you.
How do you honor Lent? Tell us about it in the comments below.
More Christian Posts You Will Enjoy
What is Ash Wednesday? – Ask Wednesday is the start of Holy Week. Here’s what it means.
How Do You Know When is Easter Sunday? – The date of Easter is different each year. Here’s how it is chosen.
50 Things You Could Give Up for Lent This Year – Lent doesn’t mean only giving up meat. Here are other ways to make the season meaningful.
What Does Maundy Thursday Mean? – Learn what the term Maundy Thursday means and why it’s an important part of Holy Week.
What is the Meaning of Good Friday? – If it’s the day we remember Jesus’ death, why is it called good?
What is Holy Saturday? – How to honor the day before Easter.
Do you give up something for Lent? Does your church observe Lent? Share in the comments below.
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Thank you so much for the great explanation for Protestants.
Thank you Sara for this post. It is a great reminder of what this somber, penitential season is all about. Thank you for sharing the CPH video. It is incredibly powerful! It moved me to tears – reminding me of all that Jesus did for me. That’s what Lent is all about – repentant hearts and great forgiveness.
May God bless you.
Sarah
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for sharing how the Eastern Orthodox church honors Great Lent. I knew there were some variances, but I didn’t know the details. I love learning these types of things! Blessings.
Hello, Sara! I would just add that the Eastern Orthodox Church also observes Great Lent. However, for us, Great Lent begins seven weeks before Pascha (Easter) and we do not observe Ash Wednesday (that was a later, Western addition). The Orthodox fast by abstaining from all meat, dairy, wine, and oil for the entirety of Great Lent. We do this as a way of helping us fully enter into the deep reality of the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord. May God bless you during the Lenten season.