Lent for Families
Lent is a season of repentance and reflection. Traditionally Christians fast, giving something up for the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
But it feels like we've been fasting for ages! So this year, why not take on something as a family? Here are some ideas...
Godly Play video series - Faces of Easter
We're releasing a Godly Play video session each week, introducing you to the faces of Easter. These sessions may be particularly good for younger children, and for children and adults with learning disabilities or dementia. Thank you Nicola and Rafferty for filming them.
Week 1 - watch the video
Lent Art Trail
Following on from the Spring Grove Advent Trail, we'd love everyone to get creative at Lent and decorate a street facing window with some Lent themed art. This time, there's a different theme each week, with more during Holy Week. You can add to your window with each new theme, or replace your artwork every time you make a new one. It's up to you, and it's open to everyone, wherever you live. We'd love to fill our community with creativity as we journey through Lent together.
Week 2 - WILDERNESS
Just as King Jesus's life didn't begin in a royal palace, the ministry of Messiah Jesus didn't begin in the temple, but in the wilderness. Before Jesus spoke about the good news of God, he was sent by the Spirit into a deserted place and was tempted by the devil.
Jesus would have been hungry and thirsty, but he was sustained by scripture and used the Bible to resist Satan's tests. Choosing to fast, pray and study scripture in Lent is a bit like choosing the wilderness for ourselves. By stripping life back to bare essentials, we are invited to draw closer to God, who can sustain us by his love.
Jesus answered, ‘It is written,
“One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’ (Matthew 4.4)
As you place your wilderness picture in the window, pray that you might draw closer to Jesus during this week, and that God would give you the strength to resist temptation.
Week 1 - PANCAKE
Before Lent begins, we traditionally use up the sweet ingredients in our pantries by making delicious pancakes. A transformation takes place: assorted ingredients are combined and transform into a memorable meal. It's a wonder we only do it once a year.
Jesus was similarly transformed on one special day in front of his friends after climbing a mountain with them. It was so special that after that day the mountain became known as the Mount of Transfiguration. Mark's gospel tells us:
Jesus was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. (Mark 9.2-3)
As you place your pancake creation in the window, pray that you might be transformed by following Jesus, and pray for the neighbours who will pass by and admire your art, that they might be transformed by God's amazing love too.
Other ideas for families at lent
Change Begins is an all age devotional from All We Can. It includes challenges, activities and prayers while introducing you to the transformational work of All We Can's partners in Uganda, who provide bicycles so that girls like Nawalat (pictured) can get to school.
Download the all age devotional