Lent is one of the oldest and most meaningful seasons in the Christian faith, yet many believers today only associate it with fasting, giving up chocolate, or avoiding social media. But Lent carries a much deeper purpose. It invites us to slow down, examine our hearts, and return fully to God as we prepare for Easter.
But before learning about Lent, it is important to know that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Different churches observe Ash Wednesday in different ways, but the message behind it is the same. “Life is short, sin is very serious, and God’s mercy is greater than both.”
On this day, many believers receive a small cross of ash on their forehead. The ashes symbolize two things:
- Our human frailty – “For dust you are and to dust you will return” – Genesis 3:19
- Our need for repentance – a humble cry for God to cleanse, restore and renew our hearts.
Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are not permanent beings here. Our time on earth is brief, and every breath is a gift from God. Yet despite our weakness, God loves us with a love stronger than death.
Why Ashes? (The Meaning Behind the Symbol)
In the Bible, ashes were a sign of repentance, mourning, and surrender.
People used ashes when they were broken, humbled, or turning back to God:
- Job sat in ashes when he repented.
- Daniel prayed with fasting and ashes.
- The people of Nineveh put on sackcloth and ashes when they turned from sin.
So when we receive ashes today, it is not a ritual to look “religious.”
It is a quiet, honest confession:
“Lord, I need You. I cannot save myself. Have mercy on me.”
What Does “Lent” Mean?
Below is a simple, complete explanation to help you fully understand what Lent is, why it matters, and how to observe it meaningfully in everyday life.
The word Lent comes from an old English word lencten, meaning “spring” or “lengthening of days.”
This is fitting because Lent happens in the early spring of the Northern Hemisphere, when daylight grows longer and the world slowly wakes from winter.
Spiritually, Lent mirrors that picture:
God brings new life and fresh light into the places in our hearts that have grown cold or dim.
When Does Lent Happen?
Lent lasts 40 days, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending right before Easter Sunday.
The “40 days” symbolize:
- Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness
- Moses’ 40 days on Mount Sinai
- Israel’s 40 years in the desert
In Scripture, 40 is often a number of testing, refining, and preparation.
Lent mirrors that same spiritual journey.
(Note: Sundays are not counted in the 40 days because they are considered miniature celebrations of the Resurrection.)
How Did Lent Begin? (A Short History)
The roots of Lent go back to the earliest centuries of the church.
Some key historical moments:
- 2nd–3rd centuries: Early Christians practiced short fasts before Easter as preparation for baptisms.
- 4th century: After Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, the church formalized a 40-day period of repentance and prayer before Easter.
- Middle Ages: Lent became a universal season of fasting, confession, and almsgiving.
- Today: Many churches worldwide still observe Lent as a time of spiritual renewal and focus on Jesus’ sacrifice.
So Lent is not just a tradition—it is a historic, purposeful season that connects believers with the early church. Unfortunately, many modern day believers just observe Lent since it is a tradition that has been handed down from generations past. When Lent is observed as a ritual, it becomes religion. But Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with the living God, Jesus Christ.
What Is the Purpose of Lent?
Lent has one central goal:
to prepare our hearts for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is a season to:
• Remember Jesus’ sacrifice
We slow down and reflect on what He endured for our salvation. Take some time to meditate on this. Please do not just glaze through the text. Take a moment to think! Why did Jesus willingly die even though He did not sin? Why did He do all that He did and endure such a horrific death? What does His resurrection mean? Jesus is Alive! What does that mean for you?
• Repent from sin
We examine our hearts, confess, and turn away from what pulls us away from God. Repentance is not the same as remorse or feeling bad. It is a decisive turning away from that which is wrong and choosing to walk in obedience to God’s Word.
• Renew our devotion
We return to simple, genuine faith—prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience. We choose to deny ourselves of the pleasures of this world, and live a life considered radically different by those in the world. The world seeks revenge. We forgive. The world chooses to hoard to get rich. We give away generously. The world chooses pride and honor. We choose humility and meekness. We are in this world, but not of this world.
• Reset our priorities
We let go of distractions and make room for God again. We let go of worldly entertainments and distractions. We let go of drunken parties and worldly socializing. Instead, we pray, we study God’s Word. We worship.
• Ready ourselves for Easter
The deeper our reflection during Lent, the greater our joy on Resurrection Sunday.
Why Is Lent Considered Holy?
Lent is holy because it brings us back to the heart of the Gospel—the cross.
For many, life becomes noisy, rushed, and spiritually scattered.
Lent pulls the brakes and invites us to reconnect with:
- the holiness of God
- the seriousness of sin
- the depth of Christ’s love
- the power of His resurrection
It is a holy season because it is a transforming season.
What Do Christians Do During Lent?
Different traditions observe Lent differently, but the core practices usually revolve around three things:
1. Fasting
Giving up something meaningful—food, habits, entertainment, or comforts—to make space for God. If you cannot fast from food for the whole day, try skipping one meal everyday. Alternatively, fast from your phone, or social media, or TV.
2. Prayer
Setting aside intentional time daily to seek God, repent, and realign the heart. Spend quality time reading entire chapters of God’s Word and in prayer. If a family can do this together, even better.
3. Giving (Almsgiving)
Blessing others sacrificially, especially the poor, the lonely, and the hurting.
Together, these three practices reflect the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6.
How to Observe Lent in Everyday Life
You don’t need to follow a strict tradition to experience a meaningful Lent. It is an issue of your heart in any case. Not a ritual. Here are easy, practical ways anyone can participate:
• Choose a Fast That Targets Your Heart
This might be sugar, social media, fast food, entertainment, or something else that distracts your soul.
• Read Scripture Daily
Focus on the Gospels, the suffering of Christ, and prophetic passages like Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22.
• Pray Intentionally
Pray honest prayers of confession, gratitude, surrender, and renewal.
• Forgive Someone
Lent is a powerful season to release bitterness and obey Jesus’ command to forgive. If there is anyone you need to forgive, don’t just do it yourself. Call up that person and tell him/her explicitly that you forgive them.
• Serve Someone Quietly
Bless someone without expecting anything back. This is the heart of Christ.
• Re-evaluate Your Priorities
Let God point out areas that need change—habits, attitudes, relationships, or lifestyle choices.
• Practice Silence and Stillness
Take a few minutes a day to be quiet before God. Let Him search your heart.
These simple habits can make Lent deeply meaningful and life-changing.
What Makes Lent Different from Easter?
- Lent is preparation.
- Easter is celebration.
During Lent we remember, repent, and realign our hearts.
On Easter we rejoice because Jesus is alive, the grave is defeated, and hope has triumphed.
The journey of Lent makes the joy of Easter much richer.
Why Lent Still Matters Today
We live in a fast, distracted, comfort-driven world. Lent calls us to:
- slow down
- return to God
- deal honestly with sin
- deepen our faith
- embrace the cross again
It reminds us that real joy and real life are found not in comforts, but in Christ Himself.
Lent isn’t just an old tradition.
It is a powerful spiritual reset—a yearly reminder that walking with Jesus means surrender, sacrifice, and a heart completely devoted to Him.
And Lent is not the same as Advent. They fall at two different times of the year. Read more about Advent here.