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Confession:
Before I became a Christian (as a tween) I thought Lent was nonsensical.
Family and friends talking about giving up ice cream or what not without any attachment to something of value.
After becoming a Christian my perception changed. I found it absurd.
1/9
Before I became a Christian (as a tween) I thought Lent was nonsensical.
Family and friends talking about giving up ice cream or what not without any attachment to something of value.
After becoming a Christian my perception changed. I found it absurd.
1/9
Don’t get me wrong. I wanted to like it. I thought, “finally I’ll understand.”
Nope.
There would be forty day fasts.
Some groups did it in shifts.
Some went all in as individuals.
Often ending up sick or with health issues as a result.
2/9
Nope.
There would be forty day fasts.
Some groups did it in shifts.
Some went all in as individuals.
Often ending up sick or with health issues as a result.
2/9
There were sign up sheets for different things you could give up. Sort of like joining a Lent club.
I’ll be honest I never joined any.
People talked about what they were going to fast.
Billy was giving up Nintendo.
Some church lady was fasting from chocolate. You know.
3/9
I’ll be honest I never joined any.
People talked about what they were going to fast.
Billy was giving up Nintendo.
Some church lady was fasting from chocolate. You know.
3/9
To me it all seemed meaningless.
Where was the value in doing any of these things.
Especially coming from my teenage brain, it all appeared pointless.
Were people connecting with Christ?
Was anyone growing more gracious?
It didn’t look like it.
4/9
Where was the value in doing any of these things.
Especially coming from my teenage brain, it all appeared pointless.
Were people connecting with Christ?
Was anyone growing more gracious?
It didn’t look like it.
4/9
My view changed though.
A little over a decade ago I audited two Church History courses, did some research and reading, it was amazing.
After a year of study I walked away with great appreciation for three things:
1. Creeds
2. Catechism
3. Church calendar
5/9
A little over a decade ago I audited two Church History courses, did some research and reading, it was amazing.
After a year of study I walked away with great appreciation for three things:
1. Creeds
2. Catechism
3. Church calendar
5/9
Suddenly I was connected to first & second century believers. Our worlds collided. Becoming immersed in their story helped me understand the WHY behind the WHAT.
The richness of it became clear.
The intent, meaning, and purpose now held value.
6/9
The richness of it became clear.
The intent, meaning, and purpose now held value.
6/9
I traveled through the centuries watching the church adapt the shape and form or length in which Lent was celebrated.
This tradition was no longer silly, non sensical, nor absurd.
It was beautiful. Although, as you know, we still do some silly stuff.
7/9
This tradition was no longer silly, non sensical, nor absurd.
It was beautiful. Although, as you know, we still do some silly stuff.
7/9
We are connected to saints and churches throughout different countries throughout history who used forms of creeds to catechize Christians because they didn’t have their own Bible or they couldn’t read.
8/9
8/9
Now I appreciate Lent.
I am grateful that as Christians around the globe we are remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ.
Of course I have not really delved into any of the meaning of any of the traditions.
If you are interested research it.
Phew
I am grateful that as Christians around the globe we are remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ.
Of course I have not really delved into any of the meaning of any of the traditions.
If you are interested research it.
Phew
