It’s hard to believe but next Wednesday begins the season of Lent.

Lent comes from the Old English word “lengthen-tide,” which denotes the days are lengthening, another word for springtime. It is a season of preparation for the celebration of Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 weekdays until Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is typically remembered by placing the sign of the cross on the foreheads of Christians with the ashes from the palm branches of the previous Palm Sunday. We’ll be hosting a “Marking Service” this Wednesday, February 17, at 6pm, with a beans and rice meal at 5pm. Kirk will bring the evening devotional and we’ll sing a few favorite hymns. We’ll both offer the sign of the cross to all gathered. Several of our Small Groups will meet immediately following the service about 6:40.

Ash Wednesday is of course preceded by Mardi gras, ”Fat Tuesday,” when historically Christians would eat all the fats/sweets in their home in preparation for a time of fasting during Lent. Today more non-Christians celebrate Mardi Gras using it as an excuse to party. New Orleans is the most well known place and they’ve already begun their celebration after their Saints won the Super Bowl last Sunday. This may be the longest Mardi Gras in history!

On a historical note, Christians of the Roman Empire made unleavened dough consisting of flour, salt and water only (since fat, eggs and milk were forbidden) for Lent. They shaped it in the form of two arms crossed in prayer, to remind them that Lent was a season of penance and prayer. They called these cookies “little arms.” Do you know what the German word is for “little arms?” Pretzel. Children were known to sneak them in their palm branches and eat them in church. Don’t try it First Kids! We still enjoy pretzels in our home today.

Lent is a time for personal reflection, prayer, slowing down one’s lifestyle and focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus for each of us. Many people give up something for Lent, as an act of remembrance of what Christ gave for us. I’ve often given up desserts or Cokes – one year I did both – I wasn’t a very happy pastor! This year I challenge you to add something. If you’re yet to join a First Church Small Group, why not do it for Lent? We currently have 14 Small Groups meeting in homes and at the church. Check the worship folder for times and locations. You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Lent!
Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Warning to all husbands and boyfriends: Valentine’s Day is this Sunday! Don’t forget!