Preparing for Lent

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday - the first day of Lent which is the 40-day period before Easter. Over the past few years, I've spent Lent meditating on, reading and studying the various aspects of Christ's sacrifice and death on our behalf. Though Lent is considered a dark season, I've found it to be a blessing. As I focus on His sacrifice, I am forced to look at my response to it as well as my need for that sacrifice. And the closer I look at my need, at my sin, the brighter grows His grace.

For the darkness of Lent leads to the brilliant joy of Easter -

How to prepare for Lent? This year . . .

* I'm reading through The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders and following along with the series for Lent based on this book at Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Each morning I read a chapter of the book and then the transcript from that day's radio program. (You can also listen online.)

* I've added Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard to our read-aloud time. Each morning I read the short devotional, Scripture passage, discussion questions and further study sections to the boys. We're also coloring and cutting copies of the provided ornaments to hang on a branch to remember what we learn.

* I'm reading this article by Ann Voskamp which contains an excellent book recommendation list for Lent. Also reading this article by Noel Piper and planning to use her candle idea for Holy Week.