You might not know this (I certainly didn’t!) but the season of Lent has its very own songs! Lenten hymns are very different from the hymns of the other seasons of the liturgical year. They play a crucial role in the observance of Lent and are characterized by their solemn and reflective nature. Lenten hymns, like Advent hymns, have their own particular beauty and set the tone for the season. Lenten hymns embody a more penitential and introspective mood, mirroring the season's themes of repentance, introspection, and preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus. They explore themes of human sinfulness, mercy, redemption, and the suffering of Christ. One of the most famous Lenten songs is “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” The hymn’s poignant lyrics focus on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, inviting us to contemplate the immense love and suffering embodied in this act. Written by Isaac Watts in 1707, it is the first known hymn to be written in the first person, introducing a personal religious experience rather than a dry hymn about doctrine. At the time, the music during the church service was congregational of the Psalms. This hymn introduced a deeply personal worship experience with Christians given the opportunity to express their gratitude to their Savior. Consider the first verse - When I survey the wondrous cross where the young Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Isn't it incredible? Those lines absolutely kill me! To hear Jesus called the "young Prince of Glory" is so, so touching. The hymn is so moving, especially the final verse which triumphantly proclaims - Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. It's a masterpiece! You have to listen to it! Another favorite Lenten hymn, is “My Song Is Love Unknown." It is a haunting hymn pondering the life of Jesus, all that he did for us, and how we in turn treated him. Here are some of my favorite stanzas - My song is love unknown– my Savior’s love to me; love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be. Oh, who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take frail flesh and die? Why, what hath my Lord done? What makes this rage and spite? He made the lame to run; He gave the blind their sight. Sweet injuries! Yet they at these themselves displease, and 'gainst Him rise. Here might I stay and sing– no story so divine! Never was love, dear King, never was grief like Thine. This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend. I have never been able to sing that last stanza without crying. "This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise, I all my days could gladly spend." It's so moving! If you'd like to experience the hymns of Lent, I've created a traditional playlist for you. I think you will be blown away by them! I hope they are a blessing to you and your family! Click the button to hear my playlist of traditional Lenten hymns.

As Christians, we believe that the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the most important thing to ever happen to us (or to the world, for that matter)! God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die for us, to redeem us from our sins, and to restore us to a life with Himself. Just as Advent is a time of preparation for the miraculous birth of Christ, so Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. In Lent, we are on a pilgrimage with Christ. We walk through his forty days in the wilderness and end with His crucifixion, burial, and, finally, his glorious resurrection. We start Lent with a very special service: Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, the Body of Christ gathers to enter this time of devotion corporately. During the service, we look at our mortality and the consequences of our sins. Traditionally, in the Bible, times of penitence were marked by the wearing of sackcloth and ashes. At the Ash Wednesday service, the forehead of each believer is marked with ashes in the sign of the cross, and we are reminded through these ashes that we are “but dust and to dust we shall return” (Genesis 3:19). These are the very words God spoke to Adam and Eve after they committed the first sin in the garden of Eden and they remind us that we too have “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Ways to Observe Ash Wednesday in Your Home Do the devotion for the day with your family. After the devotion, hand out little slips of paper and pencils or pens. Ask your children to come up with an area of weakness in their lives that they need God’s help to change. Have them write that area down. Make sure you set an example by sharing a weakness and writing it down as well. Set the slips in an earthenware vessel and burn them with a match, or throw them into a fire burning in your fireplace or a fire pit outside. Explain to your children that just as their slips of paper are burned up and are no longer recognizable, so are our sins when we ask for forgiveness.  Attend the Ash Wednesday service at your church.  Make pretzels. The pretzel is the oldest Christian food and was created to accommodate the Lenten fast. Originating in Europe and created by monks, pretzels were made using only water, flour, and salt, simple ingredients that align with the Lenten emphasis on fasting and abstention from richer foods. Its distinctive twisted shape resembles arms crossed in prayer, making it an apt symbol for the penitential season of Lent. Begin your Lenten fasts. Traditionally, nothing is eaten all day. Note: This should not be required of children. If a total fast is not possible, consider eating much smaller meals and avoiding meat.  This is the day to institute the things that your family has decided to give up or abstain from during Lent. Hang your family commitments sign on your refrigerator. Decorate your home with signs that we have entered this season of penitence and preparation.  Cover all of the icons and crosses in your home with purple cloth. Remove all flowers and other signs of spring from your home and workplace so it will be all the more glorious when Easter finally arrives.  Ask your children to go out and gather twigs and branches with no leaves. Tie a simple tie around them with purple fabric and hang them from your front door. This is a very beautiful and very dramatic reminder that we have entered the time ( kairos ) of Lent.  Make a sign that says Vacare Deo , a Latin phrase that means to empty oneself for God. Make an alms box and begin collecting your alms for the poor. A traditional sign to go on the container is, “The fasts of the rich are the feasts of the poor.” Place the container in a prominent place where everyone will be reminded of it every day.  Since we will no longer say the word Alleluia throughout Lent, say goodbye to the Alleluias by having your children write Alleluia on a board, decorate it with flowers, and put it away in a chest, drawer, or closet until Easter Day. Start your spring cleaning Devotion for Ash Wednesday Start the devotion with the lights lowered or turned off. Leader: The light of Christ. People: Thanks be to God. Leader: Let us pray. Leader: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Light the candle at this time. All together O gladsome light,pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now, as we come to the setting of the sun,and our eyes behold the vesper light,we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. A Reading from Holy Scripture Read: Joel 2:12-17 (NLT) That is why the Lord says,“Turn to me now, while there is time.Give me your hearts.Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,but tear your hearts instead.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.He is eager to relent and not punish.Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve,sending you a blessing instead of this curse.Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wineto the Lord your God as before.Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem!Announce a time of fasting;call the people togetherfor a solemn meeting.Gather all the people—the elders, the children, and even the babies.Call the bridegroom from his quartersand the bride from her private room.Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence,stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar.Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord!Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery.Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say,‘Has the God of Israel left them?’” The Lord’s Prayer All together Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Blessing Parents, lay hands on each of your children and pray this blessing over them: The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.  The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen.  The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. People: Thanks be to God.

As Lent approaches, families around the world seek meaningful ways to observe this solemn season together. One creative and engaging way to guide your family through the forty days of Lent is by creating a Lenten Paper Chain Countdown. This hands-on project isn't just a fun craft; it's a visual and interactive tool that helps children and adults alike count down the days until Easter while reflecting on the significance of this time of preparation, prayer, and introspection. The beauty of a Lenten Paper Chain Countdown lies in its simplicity and the powerful messages it can convey. Each link in the chain represents a day of Lent. The daily act of removing one link brings a tangible sense of progress and anticipation toward Easter Sunday, making the journey through Lent a time of spiritual growth and connection with the Body of Christ. Lenten Paper Chain Countdown Materials :  Construction paper: Purple White Black Red Pink Baby Blue Glue stick or glue Ruler Colored pencils Instructions : Rip strips of colored paper along the width of the paper using a ruler. Add decorative elements to the strips listed below. Interlock the strips in the order given below and glue the ends together. Hang in a prominent place in your home. As you begin each new day, remove the appropriate link. You will need : 35 purple strips for the regular days of Lent. On the first purple link, draw a black cross on it to represent Ash Wednesday. 7 white strips for the feast days of Lent, including Sundays and Easter (Sundays are always feast days since they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus). Decorate the Easter strip with a gold cross and flowers. One of the white strips is for the Feast of St. Patrick on March 17th. One white strip is for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19th. 1 Baby Blue strip for the Feast of the Anunciation on March 25th. 1 pink strip for the 4th Sunday of Lent known as Laetare Sunday. 1 red strip for Palm Sunday. Put a green palm on it. 2 black strips for Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The order of the strips: 4 purple (the first link has a black cross for Ash Wednesday), 1 white, 6 purple, 2 white, 1 purple, 1 white, 3 purple, 1 white, 1 purple, 1 baby blue, 4 purple, 1 pink, 6 purple, 1 white, 6 purple, 1 red, 4 purple, 2 black, 1 white (decorated with a gold cross and flowers for Easter). Have a blessed Lent +

Happy first day of February! This is such an exciting month in the Liturgical Year as we continue to move through the season of Epiphany! I can’t wait to celebrate it with you! Here’s an overview with helpful links: February 2nd - The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Candlemas) February 14th - The Feast of St. Valentine   February 24th - The Feast of St. Matthias, the Apostle Helpful Links: If you'd like a calendar of the entire liturgical year, here's a PDF printout: Or a physical calendar you can hang on your wall: The Liturgical Home Liturgical Calendar for 202 4-25   Current Season: Epiphany The Season of Epiphany February 2nd - The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Candlemas) The first feast of the month is The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (also known as Candlemas), where we celebrate when Joseph and Mary presented the infant Jesus in the temple 40 days after his birth. We remember Simeon and Anna's powerful moments with the child and Jesus being recognized as the "Light of the World." The Feast of the Presenation of Jesus in the Temple (Candlemas) Why We Eat Crêpes on Candlemas: A Delicious Tradition with Deep Meaning Making Candles for Candlemas: A Home Celebration Guide p Meaning February 14th - The Feast of St. Valentine Make these delicious heart sugar cookies for Valentine's Day! Valentine’s Day honors St. Valentine, a priest martyred for his faith in 3rd-century Rome. Celebrating St. Valentine's Day February 24th - The Feast of St. Matthias On the Feast of St. Matthias, we honor the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot following his betrayal of Jesus Christ.  Celebrating the Feast of St. Matthias Make Dabo Kolo for the Feast of St. Matthias Follow along as I share everything you'll need to celebrate this special month in your home!

Happy first day of March! This is a huge month in the Liturgical Year! At the beginning of the month, we continue our Lenten disciplines. On March 10th, we begin to transition to Easter when we celebrate a lightening of the Lenten mood on Laetare Sunday. Then we have St. Patrick's Day quickly followed by St. Joseph's Day and in no time, we are in Holy Week! I love that Easter Sunday falls on the final day of March this year! It seems appropriate to end the month with the apex feast day of the Christian Year, Easter Sunday! Get ready! It's a busy but incredible month. Let us embrace it with wonder and awe! Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate this special month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: The Feast of St. Patrick The Feast of St. Joseph Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, a season of both personal sacrifice and generosity. While prayer and fasting are often emphasized, almsgiving is sometimes overlooked. But giving to those in need is a vital part of our Lenten journey. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to bless others. One of the best ways to practice almsgiving as a family is by creating a Lenten Alms Jar , a simple, hands-on way for children (and adults!) to actively participate in giving throughout the season. Why Make a Lenten Alms Jar? This DIY craft is not only a fun and creative project, but it also helps reinforce the meaning of almsgiving in a tangible way: Visual Giving – Because the jars are see-through, children can watch their alms grow over the weeks of Lent, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. Daily Reminder – Keeping the jar in a visible place helps remind the whole family to give regularly. Upcycled & Simple – This craft uses repurposed glass jars, making it an inexpensive and eco-friendly project. How to Use Your Alms Jar Each time a family member gives something up for Lent (a coffee, a treat, an extra purchase), they place the money they would have spent into the jar instead. By the end of Lent, your family will have a collection of offerings to donate to a charity, food pantry, or someone in need. Alms Jar for Lent If you’d like to collect alms during Lent, I created this easy and inexpensive alms jar. I wanted the jars to have the Lenten color of purple and to look like stained glass windows with translucent cells so that you can see the money as it multiplies. This is a super kid-friendly project! Let your kids have fun making it. I'm giving a sample design but let your kids come up with whatever designs they would like. The craft was created to embrace imperfections and little hands! Supplies: Glass Jars (I used old peanut butter and pickle jars) White Vinegar Dishwashing Soap Black Puffy Paint Purple Acrylic or Washable Paint White Acrylic or Washable Paint Money Remove the labels on the jar. Place your jars on their sides in a large pot. Cover with water and add 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Bring to a boil. Turn heat off and allow to cool. Once cool, dip a scouring brush into the liquid in the pot and scrub the sides of the jar until clean. If residue won't come off, sprinkle baking soda on the sides and scrub. Rinse jars thoroughly and let dry. Add black puffy paint in waves, making closed cells. Once dry, hold your jar at an angle and add a wavy design with black puffy paint. You're trying to create individual cells that you can fill with purple paint later. Once done with your design, allow the puffy paint to thoroughly dry. Add varying shades of purple to the cells, leaving some open. Once the puffy paint is dry, take your purple paint and add it to 1/3 of the cells. Then take your purple paint, add a little bit of white paint, blend and paint another 1/3 of the cells. Leave the last 1/3 of the cells clear. Once dry, place the jars in a prominent place in your home (kitchen or dining table, kitchen counter) where you will be reminded to add your alms. Have a blessed Lent! +

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord” Proverbs 19:17 “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” 1 John 3:18 Lent is a beautiful time of preparation. It is a time when we ready our hearts for the amazing work of God’s redemption on Easter Sunday. Throughout Lent, we mark our time with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While there is a great focus on prayer and fasting in Lent, we don’t hear much about almsgiving. Lenten almsgiving is collecting and distributing money for those in need. When Jesus gives the story of the Good Samaritan, the Good Samaritan does not just pray for the wounded man, he takes care of all of his needs. Traditionally, during the season of Lent, to collect alms, alms boxes are placed on a table right when you walk into church and in a prominent place in your home. As we give up things for Lent, we take the money we would have spent on those things and place the money in our alms box. It is exciting to watch the box fill up as Lent progresses! And there is so much joy at the end to see how much money you have raised and to decide on the way that you will give it away. This year, my family will be giving their alms to the Anglican Relief and Development Funds' Love the World Campaign . ARDF partners with local Anglican churches and communities around the world to identify, develop, and implement initiatives that address critical needs such as poverty, disease, and disaster recovery. Through a rigorous process that ensures projects are both sustainable and community-driven, ARDF focuses on empowering people with practical help and hope, giving both physical aid and the Good News of Jesus Christ. By supporting ARDF , donors contribute to a global vision of manifesting Christ's love through tangible acts of compassion, making a lasting impact on the lives of the needy and fostering the growth of the Kingdom of God on earth. Your support through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving becomes a direct line to helping families and communities globally, embodying the Gospel's call to feed the body, soul, and spirit. In this way, your Lenten journey can extend far beyond your own home, touching lives around the world with the love and hope of Christ. Alms Jar for Lent If you’d like to collect alms during Lent, I created this easy and inexpensive alms jar. I wanted the jars to have the Lenten color of purple and to look like stained glass windows with translucent cells so that you can see the money as it multiplies. This is a super kid-friendly project! Let your kids have fun making it. I'm giving a sample design but let your kids come up with whatever designs they would like. The craft was created to embrace imperfections and little hands! Supplies: Glass Jars (I used old peanut butter and pickle jars) White Vinegar Dishwashing Soap Black Puffy Paint Purple Acrylic or Washable Paint White Acrylic or Washable Paint Money Remove the labels on the jar. Place your jars on their sides in a large pot. Cover with water and add 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Bring to a boil. Turn heat off and allow to cool. Once cool, dip a scouring brush into the liquid in the pot and scrub the sides of the jar until clean. If residue won't come off, sprinkle baking soda on the sides and scrub. Rinse jars thoroughly and let dry. Once dry, hold your jar at an angle and add a wavy design with black puffy paint. You're trying to create individual cells that you can fill with purple paint later. Once done with your design, allow the puffy paint to thoroughly dry. Once the puffy paint is dry, take your purple paint and add it to 1/3 of the cells. Then take your purple paint, add a little bit of white paint, blend and paint another 1/3 of the cells. Leave the last 1/3 of the cells clear. Once dry, place the jars in a prominent place in your home (kitchen or dining table, kitchen counter) where you will be reminded to add your alms. Have a blessed Lent! +

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord” Proverbs 19:17 “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” 1 John 3:18 Lent is a beautiful time of preparation. It is a time when we ready our hearts for the amazing work of God’s redemption on Easter Sunday. Throughout Lent, we mark our time with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While there is a great focus on prayer and fasting in Lent, we don’t hear much about almsgiving. Lent is not just about personal sacrifice, it’s a season of generosity and service. As we fast and pray, we are reminded that true devotion to God is inseparable from love for our neighbor. This brings us to the third pillar of Lent: almsgiving, love in action. From the earliest days of the Church, caring for the poor has been central to Christian life. In Galatians 2:10, when Paul met with the apostles in Jerusalem to confirm his ministry, they had just one request: "Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." Of all the things they could have emphasized, this was what they asked of Paul—showing just how vital generosity is in the life of faith. When Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan doesn’t just pray for the wounded man, he takes care of his needs. He bandages his wounds, carries him to safety, and even pays for his continued care. That is love in action. Almsgiving isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s a response to the mercy we have received. Jesus gave everything for us, and in turn, we are called to be generous with what we have. Almsgiving goes hand in hand with fasting and prayer, forming the triad of Lenten disciplines. Prayer turns our hearts toward God, fasting deals with our inner man, while almsgiving turns our hearts toward others. What we deny ourselves, whether it be food, luxury, or time, we freely give for the good of others. Jesus sums it up perfectly: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."   Matthew 22:37-39 Almsgiving also reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. When we practice generosity, we loosen our grip on material possessions and realign our hearts with what truly matters. Ways to practice almsgiving during Lent: Traditionally, during the season of Lent, to collect alms, alms boxes are placed on a table right when you walk into church and in a prominent place in your home. As we give up things for Lent, we take the money we would have spent on those things and place the money in our alms box. It is exciting to watch the box fill up as Lent progresses! And there is so much joy at the end to see how much money you have raised and to decide on the way that you will give it away. Set up a “Lenten Giving Jar”  and set aside money each week to donate to a charity, a food pantry, or a local family in need at the end of Lent. (Tutorial for Family Alms Jars coming tomorrow!) Find a service project —volunteering, making care packages, or helping a neighbor in need. Practice small, daily acts of generosity —Cover someone’s coffee, bring a meal to a neighbor, or write an encouraging note.

On Ash Wednesday, we write down our sins and then burn them. As the bright light of Epiphany fades and winter begins to give way to spring, the Church enters a new season of reflection, repentance, and preparation. Lent is a sacred journey , a time set apart to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. It is a season of self-examination and renewal , mirroring Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. As we approach Holy Week, we are invited to walk the path of Christ, turning away from sin and drawing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In a world that constantly urges us to seek more, do more, and consume more , Lent calls us to pause , to strip away distractions, and to reorient our hearts toward what truly matters. It is a season of both sorrow and hope , where we confront our weaknesses and, in doing so, experience the depth of God’s mercy. But what exactly is Lent, and how can we enter into it with intention? What Is Lent? Lent is the 40-day season of preparation leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending at sundown on Holy Saturday . (If you count the days, you’ll notice there are 46 , but Sundays are always considered a "mini-Easter" and are not included in the fast!) The number 40 is deeply symbolic in Scripture: Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18). The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33-34). Elijah journeyed 40 days to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). And most importantly, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, resisting temptation and preparing for His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). Lent mirrors this time of testing and transformation , calling us into a spiritual wilderness where we can confront our temptations, renew our faith, and prepare to celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death. We collect alms for the poor. The Three Pillars of Lent Throughout history, the Church has guided Christians in three key spiritual disciplines during Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving . These practices, drawn from Scripture, shape our Lenten journey and help us grow closer to God. 1. Prayer: Turning Our Hearts to God Lent is a time to deepen our prayer lives . Through prayer, we invite God into our struggles, seek His guidance, and open our hearts to transformation. Whether through daily Scripture reading, silent meditation, or communal prayer , Lent is a season to slow down and listen. Try incorporating a new prayer practice : Morning or evening prayer, praying the Psalms, or using a Lenten devotional. Attend extra church services : Many traditions offer Stations of the Cross, Lenten Vespers, or additional midweek services . Pray for others : Intercede for the suffering, the lost, and those in need of hope. Just as Jesus withdrew to pray , we, too, can use this season to step away from distractions and seek God in deeper ways. 2. Fasting: Making Space for God Fasting is perhaps the most well-known Lenten discipline. But fasting is not simply about giving something up—it’s about making room for God. By voluntarily abstaining from certain foods, luxuries, or habits, we create space for deeper dependence on Christ. Many Christians fast from meat on Fridays (or throughout Lent). Some give up a favorite food or drink , like sweets, coffee, or alcohol. Others fast from social media, excessive screen time, or other distractions that pull them away from prayer. The goal is not self-punishment but self-discipline —a way to remind ourselves that our deepest hunger is for God alone . 3. Almsgiving: Love in Action Lent calls us to love others in tangible ways , remembering that true faith is lived out in service . Almsgiving means giving generously to those in need—not just financially, but with our time, resources, and compassion. Donate to a charity or local food pantry . Find ways to serve in your community . Practice simple, everyday acts of kindness , reflecting Christ’s love. Fasting and prayer turn our hearts toward God , while almsgiving turns our hearts toward others . Together, these three disciplines prepare us to fully enter into the mystery of Easter . Lent Is a Journey—Not a Checklist It’s easy to approach Lent as a list of rules —things we “should” or “shouldn’t” do. But Lent is not about perfection. It is about drawing near to Jesus and allowing Him to transform us. Some years, we may fast with great devotion. In other years, we may struggle. God meets us wherever we are. The goal is not to “do Lent perfectly” but to open ourselves up to God’s work in our hearts . We eat Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday. A Call to Reflection and Renewal As Lent begins, the Church places ashes on our foreheads, reminding us: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This simple yet powerful ritual reminds us of our mortality, our need for repentance, and the hope we have in Christ . It sets the tone for the season ahead, a time to repent, reflect, and return to God . Lent leads us through the wilderness so that, when Easter morning arrives, we can truly celebrate the victory of the Resurrection. It is not an easy season , but it is a necessary one—a time of preparation, surrender, and grace. So this year, what if we embraced Lent as a gift ? What if, instead of dreading the fasts or viewing Lent as a burden, we saw it as an opportunity for deeper transformation ? Let us walk into this season with open hearts , ready to encounter Christ in the quiet, in the stillness, and the surrender. Let us prepare ourselves for the joy that is coming. How will you observe Lent this year? Let’s journey through this season together.

Did you know that Lent has its very own songs? I certainly didn’t until I began exploring the beauty of the liturgical calendar. Much like Advent, Lent has its own distinct themes; repentance, mercy, sacrifice, and the longing for redemption. Yet, while Advent’s music expresses deep yearning and hopeful expectation, Lenten hymns are often more somber, calling us to reflection, repentance, and the weight of Christ’s journey to the cross. Why Lenten Music Matters Lenten hymns set a tone that is vastly different from the joyous songs of Easter. They guide us into the wilderness with Christ, helping us to slow down and enter fully into this season of self-examination and renewal. The music of Lent reminds us of our frailty , our dependence on God’s mercy , and ultimately, the great love of Christ , who bore our sins on the cross. One of the most well-known and beloved Lenten hymns is O Sacred Head, Now Wounded . Its powerful lyrics and mournful melody draw us into the suffering of Christ, making us pause and reflect on the depth of His sacrifice: O sacred Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns, Thine only crown; How pale Thou art with anguish, With sore abuse and scorn! How does that visage languish, Which once was bright as morn! This hymn takes us to the foot of the cross, inviting us to meditate on the sorrow and suffering of Christ . The weight of Lent is real, but through it, we glimpse the boundless love of our Savior. Another powerful Lenten hymn is When I Survey the Wondrous Cross . This hymn shifts our focus from sorrow to deep gratitude , leading us to the heart of Lenten worship, laying down our own pride and embracing the humility of the cross : When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Lenten music doesn’t leave us in despair, it draws us deeper into the mystery of Christ’s love, preparing us for the triumph of Easter morning. Resisting the Pull of Easter Music Just as the world rushes past Advent straight into Christmas, it often skips over Lent in favor of the celebration of Easter. But there is something deeply transformative about allowing ourselves to dwell in the music of Lent, to sit in the tension, to fully engage with the reality of Christ’s suffering, and to prepare our hearts for the full joy of the Resurrection . In our family, we make an intentional effort to embrace Lenten hymns throughout these forty days. We save "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" and "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" for Easter morning, allowing their triumphant joy to be the culmination of a season of preparation . And when we finally sing them, it feels different , richer, fuller, overflowing with meaning because we have journeyed through Lent first. Lenten Playlists to Enrich Your Season To help you embrace the beauty of Lent, I’ve created a Lenten playlist with traditional hymns . Whether you’re setting aside time for prayer, reading Scripture, or simply driving in the car, these songs will draw you deeper into the meaning of the season . Traditional Lenten Playlist These hymns have been sung for centuries, guiding the Church through this sacred season of repentance and renewal . They remind us of Christ’s suffering, our need for grace, and the mercy of God .

Did you know that Advent has its very own songs? I certainly didn’t until I began exploring the beauty of the liturgical calendar. Most of us associate December with Christmas music—joyful carols celebrating the birth of Christ. But Advent, the season of waiting and preparation, offers us a different kind of music—songs of longing, hope, and deep yearning for the Savior to come. Why Advent Music Matters Advent music sets a tone that is entirely different from the celebratory nature of Christmas music. It acknowledges the reality of a world in darkness, groaning for redemption, and yearning for deliverance. The songs of Advent help us lean into this season of anticipation, heightening our sense of longing for Jesus—both His coming as a baby in Bethlehem and His promised return in glory. Take, for example, the famous hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Its haunting melody and lyrics reflect the deep ache for salvation felt by God’s people: O come, O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear This ancient hymn, rooted in Scripture and tradition, is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. The refrain, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel,” captures the tension of Advent perfectly: the joy of what’s promised, but not yet fulfilled. Another beautiful hymn is “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending.” This hymn focuses on Jesus’ second coming and builds in intensity, capturing the triumph and glory of His reign: Lo! He comes with clouds descending, Once for our salvation slain; Thousand thousand saints attending Swell the triumph of His train: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! God appears, on earth to reign. When you sing or listen to these songs, you can’t help but feel the weight of the world’s longing and the power of the hope we have in Christ. Resisting the Pull of Christmas Music I’ll be honest—it can be tough to focus on Advent music when Christmas carols are playing everywhere you go. From shopping malls to radio stations, the world skips straight to Christmas without pausing for Advent. But by intentionally embracing the music of Advent, we can deepen our experience of the season. Holding off on Christmas music doesn’t diminish its joy—it makes it that much sweeter. In our family, we’ve made a tradition of saving Christmas carols until Christmas Eve. During Advent, we immerse ourselves in its themes of waiting and expectation. By the time we arrive at church for the Christmas Eve service, we are bursting with excitement to sing “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The joy of celebrating Christ’s birth feels richer, fuller, and more meaningful because we’ve spent weeks preparing our hearts. Advent Playlists to Enrich Your Season To help you embrace the beauty of Advent, I’ve created two playlists: one with traditional hymns and another with contemporary Advent songs. Whether you’re lighting candles on your Advent wreath, driving in the car, or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, these songs will help you enter into the season with purpose. Traditional Advent Playlist This playlist features beloved hymns that have been sung for generations. They connect us to the timeless hope of the Church as we wait for the coming of Christ. Songs like “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” and “O Come, Divine Messiah” invite us into the quiet reverence and expectant longing of Advent. Contemporary Advent Playlist This playlist includes modern songs that capture the themes of waiting and hope in fresh and creative ways. Artists like Mission House, Andrew Peterson, and Audrey Assad bring the heart of Advent to life for today’s listeners. The Gift of Waiting Advent music is a gift. It allows us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for both the celebration of Christ’s birth and the hope of His return. By focusing on the themes of Advent, we can embrace the tension of living in the "already, but not yet"—the world where Christ has come but where we still long for His kingdom to come in fullness. So, this Advent season, I invite you to lean into the waiting. Let the music of Advent fill your home, your heart, and your family’s traditions. I promise it will make the joy of Christmas even greater when it finally arrives. How do you celebrate Advent through music? I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorite songs in the comments below!

As we enter the season of Lent, you'll see churches around the world draped in deep shades of purple , on the altar, in the vestments of the clergy, and even in our homes. But have you ever wondered why purple is the color of this season? The answer is found in both the suffering and kingship of Christ . The Mocking of the King In the Gospel of Mark, we find a moment of profound cruelty and yet, deep theological significance : “And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.” Mark 15:17-19 The soldiers, mocking Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah, dressed Him in royal purple and placed a crown of thorns upon His head. They ridiculed His kingship, unknowingly affirming the very truth they sought to deny: Jesus is indeed the King . For the soldiers, this was nothing more than humiliation. But for us, it is a moment of revelation. Christ the King is not like the rulers of this world. His throne is the cross. His crown is made of thorns. His glory is found in suffering. Every time we see purple during Lent , we are drawn back to this moment. We remember the suffering Christ endured, the love that led Him to the cross, and the reality of His kingship. The Dual Symbolism of Purple Purple has long been associated with royalty and majesty . In the ancient world, purple dye was rare and costly, often reserved for emperors and kings. The Roman soldiers’ choice to place a purple cloak on Jesus was meant as mockery, but it was actually a declaration of who He truly is , the King of Kings . At the same time, purple is also the color of penance and repentance . For centuries, the Church has used this color during seasons of fasting, self-examination, and preparation. It is a color of humility , reminding us of our need for God’s mercy and grace. During Lent, purple invites us to reflect on both : The royalty of Christ , who reigns in love and humility. The suffering of Christ , who took on the weight of our sin. Bringing Lent Into Your Home: Incorporating Purple The Church uses purple throughout Lent as a visual reminder of this season’s significance. We can do the same in our homes, creating a space that reflects our journey of repentance and preparation . Here are some simple ways to incorporate purple into your home during Lent: Cover sacred images . Traditionally, statues, icons, and crosses are covered with purple fabric during Lent as a sign of mourning and anticipation of Christ’s passion. Drape a purple cloth over any crosses or crucifixes in your home. Use purple candles . Place purple candles on your dining table or prayer space as a reminder of the season. Here and here . Set the table with purple . Use a purple table runner, napkins, or placemats at meals to remind your family that we are walking through Lent together. Here and here . Create a prayer space . Dedicate a quiet space in your home with purple cloth, candles, and a Bible for daily Lenten devotions. Dress in purple . Wear purple on Ash Wednesday or throughout the season as a way to align yourself with the themes of Lent. These small, intentional changes help to create a sacred atmosphere in our homes, reminding us that we are in a season of reflection, penitence, and preparation. A Call to Reflection The color purple is not just a liturgical decoration, it is an invitation . When we see the deep purple hues of Lent, let them remind us: To repent , to turn away from sin and toward Christ. To remember , the suffering He endured for our sake. To prepare , for the joy of Easter, when our King, once robed in purple and crowned with thorns, is revealed in His resurrection glory. This Lent, let purple be more than a color. Let it be a call to deeper devotion , a visual reminder of the love, sacrifice, and kingship of Jesus Christ . If you’d like to know more about Lent, including the meaning, history, recipes, and traditions behind it all, then you’ll love my guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Lent . It gives you everything you need to celebrate Lent in your Home!