We're in the season of Lent. What does that mean for you? Many of us maybe only acknowledge Lent through our daily Bible readings or perhaps giving up chocolate or TV for a few weeks. Some choose to fast or eat more simply. Many simply see Palm Sunday and the events of Holy Week in the run up to the Crucifixion and then they fast-forward towards Easter Sunday and celebrating His Resurrection. But we are missing out if we do not properly acknowledge all that Lent means.
In the run up to Christmas we see the season of Advent as a time of preparation, a time of excitement leading towards Christ's birthday - Emmanuel: God with us! But Lent, too, is a season of preparation. Advent seems to have a feeling of joyful expectation about it as we wait for a birthday. Lent feels more sombre, quite understandably, as we take on board the enormity of the events that took place. If we're honest, I think we often gloss over Lent because it makes us feel uncomfortable - and so it should. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus, overcome with the knowledge of what lies ahead for him, asks his best friends to sit and keep watch (Matthew 26:36-46) and yet they let him down. They let the pressures of their earthly concerns take over from the heavenly needs and instructions of Jesus. How often do we, too, let the burden of daily life get in the way of our relationship with God?
I don't know if you are familiar with the music of the Taizé community? They often use very simple tunes and repeated phrases as a backdrop to their worship. Try looking up some of their music on YouTube and listening to it quietly as you read scripture or pray. During Lent I particularly like their verse:
Stay with me, Remain here with me
Watch and pray, Watch and pray!
The world can seem a troubled and uncertain place, particularly in the current political climate, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. During the weeks leading up to Easter I encourage you to shift your focus and take time to really pray and ponder all the events of Good Friday and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us.
Yet not as I will, but as you will - Matthew 26:39
Yes, Lent is a sobering time of reflection and preparation for Christ’s death. But it is so much more than that! It is a time of repentance, of saying sorry, of being completely honest with ourselves before God, of humbling ourselves. And then….and then….and then…. beyond the staying, the praying, the watching, the waiting.... we have Easter Day - Hallelujah, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!
Ultimately, Lent is about preparing for the offer of new life, eternal life, forgiveness of sins, love everlasting. Lent is a time for re-evaluating our lives, for beginning or strengthening our relationship with God, for new commitments to worship and serve a loving, living Saviour.
May God bless you during this Lent and Easter season.
Pastor Nigel