The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and takes place during the 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays). The word Lent comes from the German word for “long” as in “the days are getting longer.”

Many of the traditions of Lent come to us from the 40 days when Jesus went into the desert. We view these days as a time of trial and temptation. When Satan tempted Jesus, it was a way of Jesus understanding who He understood Himself to be.

Lent is somewhat like Advent. It is a time of preparation and waiting. Advent is about getting the world around us in order for Christ’s arrival. Lent seems to be about getting ourselves in order for Christ’s departure.