I began attending church regularly when I was around 15 or 16 years old. Back then, I noticed something profound: the congregation moved to a different rhythm, marking their days with a sacred purpose that my family had never known. They celebrated distinct seasons with joy, anticipation, hope, and intentionality. I eventually realized I had discovered the beauty of the Christian Calendar—also known as the Church Year or, in other traditions, the Liturgical Calendar.

The liturgical calendar unfolds the story of God in Jesus Christ across the seasons—from the hopeful waiting of Advent to the transformative journey of Lent and the triumphant celebration of Easter. Each phase invites us into a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive work, encouraging us to see our daily lives as part of God’s ongoing story of Love.

If you’re reading this on Monday, then we stand at the threshold of the season of Lent. We are in those “in-between days” of Transfiguration Sunday and the arrival of Ash Wednesday. As a result, we are pausing and reflecting and considering how and why we should observe and receive this season that tells the story of Jesus’ movement toward the Cross.

An Opportunity, an Invitation 

Lent, however, is not merely a period of giving up all the creature comforts that we’ve grown to love for the sake of religious austerity. No, Lent is an invitation to find yourself renewed in the presence of God. It’s a chance to shed old habits and embrace a deeper, more compassionate way of living. Lent is an opportunity to set some things aside AND quite possibly take on a few newer, more helpful, and even holier practices.

If you are new to the practice and rhythm of the Christian Calendar or perhaps you’ve never fully engaged with the Church Year, this season offers a practical roadmap to “Follow the Leader” and recalibrate our lives with the tempo of God’s presence.

OK, But Why Lent?

Lent (the 40 days before Easter – not including Sundays) is a season where we step into a communal rhythm that reminds us of the journey of Christ—his suffering, his death, and ultimately, his resurrection. This journey of transformation can shape our spiritual formation, offering structure, and intentionality in our daily lives.

The practice of observing Lent encourages us to:

• Reflect Deeply: By including regular moments of prayer and Scripture reading into our day our eyes are opened to the areas in our lives that need more of God’s grace and transformation.

• Embrace Community: By gathering with friends, family, and group members, our shared journey creates space for collective growth and accountability.

• Align with God’s Rhythm: The church calendar is not a rigid schedule, but a dynamic invitation to live the story of God each and every day! 

A common misconception about Lent is that it is only about sacrifice—giving up things like sweets, social media, or leisure activities. While these are popular Lenten disciplines, the true heart of this season lies in what we choose to relinquish AND what we choose to embrace.

So, just imagine replacing habits that clutter our spiritual lives—complaining, racism, judgment, overeating, grumbling, excessive spending, unforgiveness—with practices that cultivate gratitude, hospitality, empathy, love, and service.

Consider these practical steps for your Lenten journey:

• Replace Complaints with Gratitude: Each time you catch yourself in a cycle of negativity, pause, turn your heart toward God and tell God three things you’re thankful for and why. This simple practice shifts your focus from scarcity to the abundance of God’s grace.

• Turn Judgment into Compassion: Instead of critiquing those around you, challenge yourself to understand their struggles. Carve out time during your workday to read a short passage of Scripture and pray for a coworker, friend, or family member who needs a little more grace. A daily moment of prayer for empathy can transform how you see others.

• Adopt a New Discipline: Whether it’s setting aside quiet time for reflection, journaling, giving financially, fasting over your lunch hour, or increasing your intentional acts of service by volunteering in your community or church, these “holy habits” help to embody the love and presence of God.

The late theologian Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon reminds us:

“In our Lenten walk, every act of turning away from judgment and embracing compassion becomes an act of worship.” 

This perspective reframes discipline as an opportunity to build habits that reflect the love, justice, and grace that are at the very heart of our faith in Jesus Christ.

The season of Lent offers us the chance to step away from the everyday noise, slow down, and listen deeply—to God, to our inner selves, and to the needs of those around us. By integrating both practices of “letting go” AND “taking on” new, life-giving disciplines, we can transform this season into one of genuine spiritual growth and maturity.

A Personal Invitation this Lenten Season 

I’ve been observing the season of Lent for roughly 43 years. Some have been better than others, but each year I get the same invitation. So, whether you’re new to the Christian calendar or a seasoned participant, consider this Lenten season as a personal invitation to grow in faith, hope, and love.

Let us “Follow the Leader” into these sacred weeks with open hearts, ears to hear, and a life ready to be reshaped by the transformative power of God’s grace. 

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