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Lent is the 40 day season from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week. The 40 days
reminds us of the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness before his
temptation by the devil. Purple is the color often associated with Lent.
It is a solemn color which reminds us of royalty and repentance.
Lent is often
thought of as a time for growth and change. During this season we are
reminded of our constant turning away from God and we focus on renewing and
strengthening our relationship with God through this season. Often during
Lent people will fast, spend more time in prayer, give up habits that are
unnecessary, or seek ways to share God's love in the world. Lent is a
season of reflection and penitence that prepares us for the new life we are
given through Jesus' resurrection at Easter.
The church takes on a different look during Lent in order to
draw attention to the Christian community's shift in focus. For upwards of
ten months, we joyously celebrate the cycle of God's love shown to us in
God's coming into the world as a baby and as a man, and in the new life of
resurrection. During Lent we still experience the Love of God and are
encouraged to rejoice in our preparation for Easter. But Lenten Love assumes
a sharply different focus. It has an element of sacrificial giving. We
recall honestly that God gave his only child. We remember that Jesus gave
himself. Sometimes Love requires sacrifice or suffering.
During Lent our
sanctuary has a simpler and perhaps more solemn look.
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The candelabras that were to the left and right of the alter are put
away
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The banners that adorn the sanctuary are taken down
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The picture of the Lord's Supper behind the alter is uncovered
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We use simple purple alter cloths
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Alleluia, an expression of the resurrection triumph, is not used during
Lent and will return in our service of Easter
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