The Songs of Lent-Introduction

But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Ezekiel 18:27

I must confess that Lent was not part of my tradition as I grew up. It was something other people observed by giving something up. I really didn’t understand it or care about it. I used to joke that if I had to give something up for Lent, it might as well be something I didn’t really like anyway, like broccoli.   To me, as an outside observer, it appeared that the observance of Lent was more about the rituals than the meaning of the fasting or abstinence.  As an outsider, the observance appeared as a legalistic duty instead of a heartfelt response. 

There is danger in practicing rituals if we simply go through the motions. If our minds and hearts are not engaged in the purpose of the ritual, its use is diminished.  God warns of this in Isaiah 58. 

“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
    and exploit all your workers.
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
    and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
    and expect your voice to be heard on high.

If fasting is only about abstinence, without true repentance, then the fast is unacceptable to God.  

Since it was not part of my tradition, my knowledge is probably pretty superficial.  But, I have always understood it as at time of repentance and reflection. There is a lot more to the religious observance than giving up something, the purpose of repenting, our fasting should be part of turning from our own ways and toward God.  Rituals can be good and beneficial if they help to remember the meaning the behind them.  The rituals along with heartfelt desire should draw us closer to God and as we prepare to see the extent of His love on the cross and His power through the resurrection on Easter morning. 

Lent last 40 days up to Good Friday.  The 40 days are to be a solemn time of repentance.   The Sundays during Lent are not counted as Sundays mark the remembrance of Christ’s resurrection and victory

Lent is a solemn season as opposed to the joy filled season of Advent which points to Christmas. Almost all Americans accept and like the carols as part of the Christmas season even if they are not all that interested in Christ, but few people ever observe Lent by listening to the Easter hymns and songs. A couple of years ago, our pastor preached an advent series based on the great texts of some of the Christmas carols.  During Lent, lets reflect on the songs of this season.

I will put up a new post each weekend between now and Easter. If you want to follow along, check back or subscribe with your e-mail from the home page. (I won’t be putting links on Facebook)

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.  Joel 2:12-14