The 2019 Lent Resource — The Rev. Dr. Betty Miller Green and the Rev. Dr. Irvin W. Green are the co-writers for this year’s Lenten meditations. She is presently the Associate Pastor of Woodland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Columbus, Ohio. He is the pastor of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Kettering, Ohio.
The season of Lent is one of the two most known seasons of the Church (liturgical) year. Whereas Advent leads up to the birth of Christ, Lent marks the final days of Jesus’ life and ministry. The season lasts for forty days, from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday (the day before Easter) excluding Sundays.
Lent is known for visual or conspicuous expressions of penitence, humility, or sorrow. This is because of the association made between the crucifixion of Christ and human sinfulness. One example of such expression is the placing of ashes on the foreheads of believers on Ash Wednesday. Throughout the time of Lent, sacrificial choices are emphasized. Such choices may include dietary changes (temporary or permanent), giving to the poor, or relinquishing personal luxuries. With the coming of Easter, which is technically beyond Lent, there is a shift from remorse to joy. Jesus, who died for our sins, is triumphant over sin. God’s people are granted a reprieve and a new covenant. Easter is as colorful and full of life as the Lenten season is careful to avoid such celebratory signs.
