Lent is an old English word for “springtime”, and has roots into German that mean the “lengthening of days” — a reference to daylight increasing as you leave winter and move into spring.

In Church usage, Lent is the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. These 40 days are preparation for Holy Week – culminating in Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These 40 days are humble, sacrificial, and penitential, as we remember our great sin, and the Lord’s greater mercy in saving us through His Son Jesus.

When Jesus, the Son of God, hung on the cross He declared, “It is Finished!” Forgiveness has been earned; the debt of sin has been paid; the work of salvation is finished, and it remains finished forever!

Amen!