It seems like Christmas was just yesterday, and we are barely into the New Year, but do you know Easter is only six weeks away? Actually yesterday marked the beginning of the Easter season for millions of Christians around the world. Some of you may know it as Ash Wednesday, which marks a six week period known as Lent.

By the way, this year Easter Sunday is April 1st.

During this season of Lent, many Christians fast. Some will fast from food completely, others from specific foods like chocolate, or meat, or even bread. Others will fast from wine, or soda. The point of any fast, for spiritual reasons, is an aid to focus on the Lord. A fast during Lent is to focus on Easter, clearly ground zero of our faith.

I believe Lent is a good tool to raise our awareness of the greatness of Easter, and to not let Easter, and Passion week that precedes it, sneak up on us as it often does. I believe Lent helps us really prepare our hearts for what is to come.

I hope I’ve given you something to think about. Even though Lent has started, it’s not too late to begin your own fast. Think of something you like, a food, or Facebook. Maybe turn the TV off at 7pm for the evening and read your Bible. Something that will make you be more aware of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus!

Love to all,

Dennis