Weekly Greeting - February 9, 2024
Dear Bethlehem Family,
The Season of Lent is just around the corner. Lent was first observed in the 4th century as a season to prepare Christians for Easter’s resurrection and baptism.
As we all know the Season of Lent runs for 40 days. However, if you go to a calendar; count beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending with the day before Easter you will find, not 40 days, but 46. Why? Because the 40 days of Lent are what’s known as Fast days in the church and times of discipline and self-restraint; but Sunday is always a feast day and day of celebration. So Sunday’s are not included when the days of Lent are counted. It might be more correct to say Lent is forty week days, plus six Sundays.
Our worship series theme during the Season of Lent here at Bethlehem is centered around the great Charles Wesley hymn, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.” I encourage you to consider how you might prepare for Easter during the Season of Lent, but come ready to celebrate the resurrection each Sunday. Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, but the Sundays of Lent provide us with an opportunity to celebrate that Christ has risen. I especially encourage you to meditate on the words of the hymn, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” all through the days of Lent and our celebration of the Lord’s Day each Sunday until Easter. God’s love is unbounded!
Blessings,
Craig