“A man can’t always be defending the truth. There must be a time to feed on it.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Lent is the perfect time to do just that: feed on the Truth. Whether you were raised in the liturgical tradition or not, (I wasn’t) I encourage you to celebrate Lent this year.

It’s not about giving something up or only eating fish on Fridays. Not really. It is about making room for Jesus. Sometimes we have to stop doing something else to really make time for Him. Sometimes it is just a matter of rearranging our priorities.

We don’t observe Lent out of obligation or mindless ritual. Rather, as K.C. Ireton says, “We give something up for the sake of something better. We turn away from some things (and sometimes they are good things) in order to turn to Christ.”

Lent means “lengthening.” And these forty days, beginning February 22nd and ending April 8th, are perfectly positioned as the earth (in the northern hemisphere) begins to come alive with the promise of spring.

For that is our promise and our hope in Jesus. As we make room for Him and begin to spend more of our days consciously in His presence, we will experience the same rebirth and awakening.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Shalom.

PS If you’re looking for resources for Lent and Easter, I recommend:

Devotionals:

A Lenten Journal and Writing Guide, available through https://www.everymomentholy.com/

My Devotional – Journey to the Cross – https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e1z3i3

Books:

Word in the Wilderness: A Poem A Day for Lent and Easter by Malcolm Guite

The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year by Kimberlee Conway Ireton

Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter

Please share your own recommendations in the comments!