Read Time: 2 min 35 sec

In the early church, Lent was a time of preparation through fasting for new believers who were baptized at Easter. 

Today, it has become a shared season on the Christian calendar of repentance and discipline in preparation for Easter as Christians focus their hearts on Jesus’s sacrifice and await the celebration of His resurrection. 

Lenten practices have evolved over time, but many Christians still observe it by fasting, typically from food or a habit (think: watching TV or using social media). Lent also includes practices like prayer, generosity, and Scripture reading. The point is self-discipline to focus on Christ.

The season is a liturgical tradition rather than a biblical mandate. Lent itself isn’t commanded in Scripture, but its practices—fasting, prayer, repentance—are rooted in the Bible.

Why is it called “Lent?”
The word comes from an Old English term lencten, meaning “springtime” or “lengthening of days,” pointing to renewal.

When is Lent each year?
In most Western traditions, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday). While the date changes each year, Ash Wednesday always falls 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Sunday.

On the “Day of Ashes,” some Christians wear ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead to symbolize human mortality (“For you are dust, and you will return to dust”) and/or mourning.

Why 40 days?
The number 40 reflects key biblical moments of preparation and testing—including Jesus’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4), Israel’s 40 years in the desert (Joshua 5:6), and Moses’ 40 days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34). 

Sundays aren’t counted in the 40 days because they’re always considered celebrations of Jesus’s resurrection (The Lord’s Day), so they’re not treated as days of fasting or penitence. 

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Topics like Lent and whether or not Christians can/should practice it have the potential to cause division in the church. When you’re tempted to split with a brother or sister over secondary and tertiary issues, remember that we have a higher calling to unity in Christ and love for one another. 

“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 (CSB) (read the full passage)

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Boxes of chocolates are fun, but go a step deeper with your kids this Valentine’s Day by telling them the true story of the holiday…

In 3rd-century Rome, Valentine officiated weddings in secret, defying an imperial decree that banned Roman soldiers from getting married and forced them to fight for at least 25 years, leaving behind their loved ones. Eventually, he was caught and brought before the emperor. But in his perceived setback, Valentine saw a gospel opportunity… 

What happened when Valentine shared Christ with the emperor? Find out today! 

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Xan Sibley | Writer

A prayer for Ash Wednesday, adapted from TPO’s Sunday newsletter Praying the News:

Almighty and Merciful God, You are near to the brokenhearted and contrite, calling mourners and the meek blessed. Yet I regularly refuse to grieve and be humbled by my brokenness. I look away from my weakness and sin, distracted by the noise in the world and in my heart.

Convicting Spirit, slow me down and shine Your light on the dark places in me. As I face my weakness, show me Your strength. As Easter comes near, prepare me for the explosive hope 

of resurrection and final victory over sin. May I walk in newness of life with the blazing joy of a freed slave, bearing the fruit of righteousness by the power of the Spirit, under Christ my Master, for the glory of my Father. Amen.

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