More than Mardi Gras

This might be a bit unusual but I’m really looking forward to Lent this year. It’s unusual and even odd because even though it’s an event on the calendar, most of us who are not Catholic don’t know what it’s about. There are far more questions than answers about this ‘holiday’ which isn’t even the correct term.

We do know Lent has something to do with Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday is in the mix. And then Ash Wednesday is noted on the calendar and we see people on the streets or even on TV with smudge marks on their foreheads. But “why” we wonder.

Here is my reason for anticipation. Because of my love for tradition and remembrance and pulling what is beautiful from history, I have rediscovered the richness of the church calendar. I love that after the meditations of Christmas and the mystery of “God with us,” I can keep my mind and body tethered to walking with God as I prepare for the event that changed everything, the cross, during the historical time of preparation known as Lent. And the cycle of repeated traditions, annual times to focus on the eternal, keeps me, and all of us who will participate, mindful of what really matters in life.

Twelve months ago I was buried in the Old Testament, authoring a new resource for families that I’m excited to unveil to you. It walks through some of our well-loved Old Testament Bible stories, looking for clues that point to Jesus the Messiah. After decades of studying the Bible, I still felt awe at the genius of God and His minute attention to detail, all of which points any who will look for His clues to the person of Jesus Christ. It’s like the lyrics of “What Child is This?” which many of us sang during Christmas celebrations now find fulfillment in the verse: This, this is Christ the King!

I wish I had had The Messiah Mystery to use with my children. It would have helped me teach them biblical truth but it would have also helped prepare them and us as parents for the grand celebration that comes every spring, resurrection Sunday.

I’d always believed Easter needed more focus. I wanted to make our celebration more in keeping with its supreme importance to our faith, but I didn’t know how. The Messiah Mystery will help you do that with your family. And available soon will be an Easter resource for your family to learn more about Jesus during Holy Week, called Behold the Lamb.

Lent is about a lot more than a Mardi Gras parade. It’s a time to prepare our hearts to worship and to celebrate the pinnacle event of all time. I hope your family will join ours and thousands of others in making Lent a meaningful journey of discovery and adventure. And if you do, please write us at everthinehome.com or go to the MomLife Today Facebook page and tell us your story.