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The origins of Lent lie in the early church's 40-day preparation for those being baptized at the Easter Vigil, which included lengthy instruction in Christian doctrine and the disciplines of fasting, repentance, prayer and special acts of devotion. Today, all in the church are encouraged to use this period and these devotional practices to prepare for Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ. The word "Lent" comes from the old English for lengthen, referring to longer periods of daylight in the spring. As the earth sees a rebirth and renewal of her flora during this season, so Lent is a time for Christians to consider our rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ, and to seek to engage in spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter.
To help us focus on spiritual renewal, we make noticeable changes in our Sunday worship. We omit "alleluia" (Hebrew for "Praise the Lord") and the Hymn of Praise (e.g., the Gloria) from the liturgy; and our music becomes less celebratory and more penitential. Our hangings change to deep purple in color, traditional for penitence, reminding us of our need of repentance. For Good Friday, crosses are veiled in black to portray our sin separating us from God, and our mourning for our sin and for our slain Lord, Jesus Christ. All this helps turn us toward penitence (renewal's first step) until the Easter morning celebration of the Resurrection, when colors go to white, veils are removed, and our alleluias break forth in joy.
Lent is 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Eve less the 6 Sundays, which serve as reminders of the Resurrection. 40 is taken from Jesus' 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert in preparation for His ministry; Moses' 40 days of fasting and prayer on Mt. Sinai as he received the Law from God; and Elijah's 40 days of fasting and prayer on his way to the mountain of God.
Click here for information about the Lent
Program.
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