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Lent

Lent marks a 40-day period on the church calendar leading up to the celebration of Easter. During Lent, Christians have traditionally engaged in practices of self-denial, like fasting, meant to orient their hearts and minds to the sufferings of Christ, who spent 40 days in the desert fasting and enduring temptations from Satan. While many evangelicals reject Lenten disciplines for their associations with Catholicism, in recent years a greater number have experimented with practices like giving up a favorite indulgence or abstaining from meat on Fridays.
  • Lent—Why Bother?
    From Christianity Today
    Three authors weigh the merits of observing Lent.
    Steven R. Harmon, Frederica Mathewes-Green, and Michael Horton
  • Stretching Our Souls
    CLASSIC FAITH FOR MODERN TIMES
    Lent is a time for grave reflection and forgiveness that leads to reconciliation and Christ-centered joy.
    Carmen Acevedo Butcher

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Today in Christian History

December 28, 1714: George Whitefield, called "the marvel of his age" for the way his preaching could move an audience, is born in Gloucester, England. His message kicked off America's first "Great Awakening" (see issue 38: George Whitefield).

December 28, 1797: American theologian Charles Hodge, whose three-volume Systematic Theology has influenced seminarians for over 100 years, is born.

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