As winter starts to give way to spring, conversations at the coffee shop and local
restaurants can sometimes be home to familiar conversations about Lent. “I’m giving
up social media,” says one. “I’m trying a digital detox and meditating instead,” replies
the other. This scene, which plays out across America, reflects how Lent has evolved in
our modern culture, blending both ancient traditions and contemporary lifestyles.
At its core, Lent is a time for Christians to deepen our faith relationship with God, to
reflect on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, to practice self-discipline and develop
empathy. As we enter the season of Lent, we are called to a time of deep reflection,
repentance, and renewal. This year, our Lenten journey will focus on the profound
exchange between our brokenness and God’s boundless grace.
During this 40 day journey, we are invited to pour out our hearts before God – holding
nothing back. We bring our grief, our sin, our pain, and our regrets to the foot of the
cross. With grit and honesty, we lay bare the depths of our souls, trusting in God’s
unfailing love and mercy.
And in response to our outpouring, we witness the ultimate act of divine love: God
pouring out Himself for our redemption. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God demonstrates
that there are no limits to His forgiveness, no bounds to His grace.
To guide us through this powerful season, we will embark on a sermon series,
beginning on Ash Wednesday (March 5) and culminating during Holy Week. Each
week, we will explore different facets of confession, forgiveness, and God’s
faithfulness. We’ll delve into Scripture, examining how God’s people throughout
history have wrestled with sin and experienced restoration.
This Lenten journey is an opportunity for profound spiritual growth and healing. I
encourage you to engage fully in this season – attend our services, participate in small
group discussions, and set aside time for personal reflection and prayer.
As we pour ourselves out before God, may we be filled anew with His love, grace, and
transforming power. Let us approach this Lenten season with open hearts, ready to
experience the depths of God’s mercy and the heights of His redemption.
