The months of March and April are among my favorite of the year. It is an interesting period as we begin to experience patterns of the spring season, but in Kentucky at least, we can also face the last bursts of winter. It is a season in which we see the "recreation" of life with flowers bursting forth, redbud and dogwood trees blooming, trees beginning to bud, and grass turning green. There is an invigorating spirit about spring, and we certainly have the opportunity to see God's handiwork bursting forth in color and splendor.
We also come to the annual observance of the Lenten season leading up to Holy Week and Easter. The Lenten season starts on Ash Wednesday which is March 5 this year. Lent lasts for six weeks leading up to Easter and ends just prior to Easter/Resurrection Sunday which is on April 20.
Lent is an annual time of preparation and self-reflection leading up to Easter. The 40 days of Lent remind us of the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and refusing to give in to temptations of Satan in the desert. Many evangelical Christians have not historically observed the Lenten season, but this has begun to change over the past few decades as Baptists and others have discovered the deep meaning and importance of following the 40 days of study, prayer, and reflection that are part of Lent. It is the tradition of some Christians to abstain from certain things during the Lenten season, spending extra time in prayer and reflection, and participating in acts of service for others.
As a Baptist pastor, I have long taken time in this season to discuss the meaning and traditions of the Lenten season and to point out that it is a prime time to reflect upon the course of events and experiences that led Jesus to his ultimate trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. The reading of the Gospel accounts of those final days of Jesus's earthly life leading up to the Cross will lead to a deeper understanding of the events and importance of Christ's passion. This approach will lead to meaningful spiritual experience and growth in our Christian commitment and walk. There are a number of very fine Lenten season devotional guides that can be accessed that will enhance a believer's knowledge and result in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday which will be Sunday, April 13. Palm Sunday is a day to remember Jesus's entry into the holy city of Jerusalem on a donkey. The masses of people welcomed him by waving palm branches and hailing him as a king. The Gospels give us an account of the activities of Jesus during Holy Week - day by day - there are some excellent day by day summaries that can be read of what Jesus did on each day. Wednesday is often called "Silent Wednesday" as it is believed to have been a day that Jesus took time to rest and visit with his close friends and to be quiet before the Lord - as he prepared for the events that would unfold on Thursday night through Friday afternoon of that week. Maundy Thursday, which is on April 17 this year, remembers the Last Supper in the Upper Room at which time Jesus shared with his disciples - pointing out the traitor Judas and telling Peter that he would deny Jesus three times in the coming hours. It was this occasion that he also instituted what we call the Lord's Supper or Communion.
Good Friday, which will be April 18 in 2025, is the day that Jesus died on "the Old Rugged Cross" for the redemption of our sins. Christians often come together on Good Friday to remember the crucifixion. One tradition is having a service that focuses on the "seven words/statements of Jesus Christ from the Cross." Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians as we remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for our sins.
Then on Easter Sunday - April 20 this year - Christians worldwide gather to celebrate the news that the tomb was empty, that Jesus Christ arose from the dead, that he has overcome the sting of death, and that we are the recipients of eternal life by the grace of God through our faith in the Risen Lord. Once again, this year on Easter Sunday, we will gather to proclaim: "He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!"
You are encouraged to spend some time this year during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter to pray, study, and live fully our Resurrected Life in Jesus Christ. We are people of the Cross and the Resurrection!