Wednesday, February 25, 2009

what are you giving up for Lent?

Why do some Christians give up things for Lent?
answered by: Rev. Jonathon Jenson

Lent is a season of preparation for Christ's passion on the cross and for the resurrection celebrated at Easter. The early Christians observed this season of 40 days plus Sundays with a time of penitence and fasting. The 40 days are a reminder of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry.
Lent is the most introspective of the church seasons, and in modern times the foci are on self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting and self-denial; and meditation on the Holy Scriptures. All of these devotional practices, including giving up something, are to help us prepare for Easter.
The practice of fasting or self-denial often receives the most attention. To better prepare, we abstain from something: Alcohol, meat or chocolate are simple pleasures that many people often give up as a Lenten discipline. Giving up peas for me would be no sacrifice; I hate peas. The sacrifice should be something that produces a noticeable absence.
The theological basis for this is simple: Every time we want what we have given up, we are reminded of what Christ gave up for us. Christ gave his life. While our sacrifice pales in comparison, it serves as a frequent reminder of God's overwhelming and complete love for each of us in our season of preparation for the resurrection.



so what are you giving up?

I love my Coke...the drink not the drug...so this Lent I'm giving up my Coke and all soft drinks

GOOD LUCK!

9 comments:

BroncoMom said...

This year I am trying something new and different. Instead of giving up something, I am going to add more worship time into my week. Of cource I am giving up a few pounds.........

Sherrie said...

Wow...I don't think I could give up my Diet Coke or Coke Zero...I have to drink at least one a day (usually two). I'll have to try that next year. I'm already craving chocolate, and I'm giving it up. LOL!

Unknown said...

I'm giving up candy bars. I may go into D/Ts for a twix!

Love that picture of Jerry modeling!

Kris said...

I haven't really thought about what I will give up. Maybe, Diet Mt. Dew or Chocolate or maybe my free time and volunteer for a charity.

Have a happy day

Kris

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Good luck giving up your coke/diet coke. Love & blessings from NC!

Anonymous said...

I'm giving up soda and eating b/w meals. hope I make it!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM. girl I think I will give up money...Oh wait a minute I already did that lol!! I don't drink soda and never have..maybe I'll do tea..hope you have a great day dear friend..hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Sherrie said...

Hey...you are my loyal commenter for the week. So, go by my blog and grab the reward! :)

♥Mimi♥ said...

You, my dear, are a very brave lady. I ♥ my diet Coke like no one's business! I'm giving up sweets but I just don't know if I could give up my Coke. You see, I lean on it heavily ever since I stopped smoking a couple of years ago. I'm afraid that if I gave it up, even for a short period of time, I'd want to light up and that could be fatal!