Preparing for Lent 2018

This month, many people around the world will be entering into an observance of the season of Lent. Lent is the period of time in the church calendar that begins on what is traditionally known as “Ash Wednesday” and lasts for the 40 days (minus Sundays) leading up to Easter. This year Lent begins on February 14 – a date that is sometimes popular for other reasons as well. (Perhaps an interesting question will be raised for many of us: is the shape and rhythm of my life determined more by the life of Christ and the church calendar or by the Hallmark calendar?)Lent is often observed by many churches in our Anglican tradition. To do so, however, is not required. There is no biblical mandate to observe Lent. But, much like Advent, it is a season which many have found that they can leverage for the good of their own discipleship as they give themselves to deeper prayer, Bible study, fasting, other forms of self-denial, and service.

The Lenten theme we will be emphasizing at Christ Church NYC this year is – to steal a traditional Christmas line – O Come, Let us Adore Him. Lent is, after all, all about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is meant to help us focus on who Jesus is and what he did in his life, death and resurrection. It is not merely about self-denial, but about filling our minds and hearts with the truth of the gospel of grace so that we might more fully rest in, delight in, and worship our rescuing God.

As such you might find it helpful to set aside some special times for extra prayer on Sunday evenings throughout Lent, or to address a specific sin in your life and work to put it to death by the grace of God, or to read a good book on the cross of Christ – two great books include: John Murray’s Redemption Accomplished and Applied or John Stott’s The Cross of Christ. Or, for a shorter introduction, you might like to check out R. C. Sproul’s The Truth of the Cross.

Below you will find a list of services for Lent and Holy Week. Be sure to check out the Lenten devotional guide that is available, and view the Lenten sermon series here. 

As we move towards Easter, may the Lord use this season to recalibrate our lives and reorient our desires so that we may more fully live for and love the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the glory of Christ and our joy in him,

Keith