Lent is a season of self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent, which comes from the Teutonic (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning. It’s a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to Him. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. During Lent, many people give up something important to them or take up a new spiritual discipline. This giving up or taking up becomes a love gift to God, given in adoration and praise. Making a sacrifice, even a small one, helps us recall the great sacrifice Christ made for us.

It is fitting that the season of Lent begins with a symbol of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on the forehead. We remember who we are and that our Lenten disciplines are to ultimately transform our entire person: body, soul, and spirit to become more like Christ.