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Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Lent with Your Family
For those who aren?t familiar with it, Lent is the 40-day period of time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. If you?re looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Lent with your family, look no further. The following suggestions will provide several ideas for you to try.
Most people who observe Lent are Catholic but anyone can do so if they desire. Traditionally, Catholics who observe Lent are expected to fast or give up something for those 40 days to learn self-discipline. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning his earthly ministry. You may want to do the same thing. You don?t have to give up food for the entire time, but you may think of something else to do without during Lent. Children can participate, too. Suggest they give up candy or their favorite toy for that time if they want to participate.
Symbolism is very important for those celebrating Lent. Learn more about the symbols associated with this holy season:
* Ashes were commonly used in Biblical times. People would put them on their heads to show they were repentant. You could read Bible passages such as Joel 2:12-24 which teaches about regaining self-control over habits and attitudes which may not be healthy or wise. Get some ashes and make the sign of the cross on each person?s hand to help you remember about Christ?s sacrifice.
* Purple is very symbolic particularly during Lent. Purple can represent repentance but it is also the color of royalty. You may want to find purple cloth to drape over windows or clothing for family members to wear.
* Jonah 3:5 explains how the people of Nineveh wore sackcloth to show they recognized their sin and to declare their new devotion to God. Perhaps you can find some sackcloth, cut it into squares and give one to each family member. Along with wearing sackcloth, people would spend time in prayer asking for forgiveness. Hold onto the pieces of cloth as you pray as a family.
* Create wooden crosses as a family. You may want to have at least three ? one for Christ and two for thieves who were crucified at the same time ? and wrap the center cross with purple fabric. You could also place a crown of thorns on the cross to symbolize Christ?s suffering for mankind?s sin.
* Find palm branches to wave as a family on Palm or Passion Sunday. The palm branch symbolizes the celebration the people had as Jesus rode into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
* Plan to have communion either as a family or by attending a Maundy Thursday service. Explain the significance behind the Lord?s Supper so everyone in your family can understand.
Don?t forget to talk about Good Friday and what happened on that day. You?ll also want to explain the significance behind Easter Sunday and how to many people it is more than bunnies bringing candy.
You can find meaningful ways to celebrate Lent with your family. Remember, Lent is a deeply spiritual time but it can be hard for young children to understand. Start with simple explanations and build upon them each year until they have a full understanding.
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