There is some confusion over the origin of the word Lent. Some say it has Germanic roots meaning ‘to lengthen’ referring to the lengthening of the days and the equinox balancing the timings of darkness and light. Lent also comes from ‘lencten’ an old Anglo Saxon word for Spring. Whichever it is (or maybe it’s a mixture of the two since more daylight would inevitably lead nature to reawaken!) it precedes Christianity.
Green growth, new birth, fresh starts. We can see evidence of this all around with the greening of the trees, new-born animals and the opening of colourful spring flowers. It is so appropriate that this is the Christian season that leads up to the most important events of the Christian calendar.
After two pandemic years, this spring has even more significance as we begin to cautiously lift restrictions and learn to live alongside the Covid virus. The increased daylight reminds us of the hope we have as we draw nearer to the time we remember God sending His Son, the Light of the World, to die so that we no longer have to live in darkness. However, the closer we get to His Light, the more we will see our darkness.
Thankfully though, Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the solution. If we just ask, God will take away our darkness and replace it with the Light of His Son.
If you can, spend some time this Lent season to reflect on times when you have missed the mark and ask God for forgiveness and the rebirth, new life and hope that only He can give.