Good February all,
Here is a question, what month is the month when you finally get sick of winter?
Is it January?
Is it February?
March?
I think that I have concluded it is February. It is usually the coldest month. It usually doesn’t snow too much. But one of the best parts about February is that it is short.
The thing is, though, with February, another thing begins: the season of Lent.
Ash Wednesday is on February 22nd.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten season which lasts 40 days.
You see, when it came to the early Christian Church, they understood the importance of Jesus’ passion and resurrection. During this time, the Church decided that there should be a 40 day “season” of spiritual preparation prior to the celebration of Easter.
During these 40 days, converts to the Christian faith also had to prepare for Holy Baptism.
But, for those who were already followers, it was a time to reconcile through forgiveness which allowed them back into the life of the Church.
In all, it was a reminder to the whole congregation of the mercy and forgiveness that was proclaimed throughout the Gospels of Jesus, showing us that we all need to renew our faith. (UMC Book of Worship)
So, what should we focus on besides the cold weather?
We should focus on ourselves, by examining what we are doing as followers of Christ.
We should be praying.
We should be reading and meditating on God’s Word.
I also want to remind you all that the season of Lent is a time to come together on Wednesday nights. We will be holding Lenten service every Wednesday night beginning March 1st. Come and join in with everyone who is looking for guidance this Lenten season.
Once again, I would like to thank you all for the kind gestures over the holiday season. You are all very generous.
Stay warm. Stay loving.
Pastor Greg Leslie
