When Lutheran’s think of Easter we have a certain mindset that is likely seen through the lens of our own experience and that would certainly apply to Lent as well. When we talk about Lent with other Christians we might get one of two typical responses. Duh, what’s that or oh ya I heard of that, isn’t it something that Catholics practice after the ground hog sees his shadow.

The word Lent is not in the Bible and as such some people say while it mustn’t have been too important than so why practice it at all. We first hear mention about Lent in the 4th century from Athanasius in his Second Festal letter. From some of the earliest times it was customary for Christians to fast before the celebration of the Paschal Feast, which is Easter. In the early times it was usually a 2 day fast, (Friday and Saturday). As time passed, like so many customs or traditions piety changes and about 350 C.E. there is mention in some literature of a 40 day fast leading up to Easter. As early as 330 C.E Lent was recorded as starting with Ash Wednesday and running for 40 days, not including Sunday’s. Sunday’s were considered min-Easters or joyful celebrations of God’s grace and the Lord’s resurrection..

Lent in Christian tradition is a period in the liturgical year leading up to Easter where believer’s prepare to go through Jesus’ sorrow and death on the cross only to be revived through the glory of the resurrection. For many it’s a time of prayer, penitence, (contributions to the poor) almsgiving, and self-denial which has its biblical roots in Jesus’ preparation for ministry where he was led into the desert for 40 days and he was tempted by Satan before starting his public ministry.

Quadragesima (Latin) or tessarakoste (Greek) for “fortieth day” before Easter are two words that refer to the season of Lent. In the late Middle ages the usage of the Latin word changed to the English word Lent, which has become the common term from that point forward.

In some other traditions, they say the word lent referred to spring. The German word Lenz and in Dutch the word was lente, which again derived from the Germanic root meaning long because in the spring the days lengthen referring back the idea of time.

Forty is a number with great significance in scripture. It signifies a time of discipline, testing, and separation prior to receiving a goal or a new beginning.

Come join us on Friday, March 12th for a Spring Sing!  We will be having a potluck, opportunity drawing, and the students will entertain us all with some special songs!  Invite your friends, family, and anyone else who’d like to come and have a great time together!  Mark your calendar’s now!