Why Lent?

Why Lent?

We often have people asking us, “Why Lent?” Why do we produce a resource for this time of year? Is Lent actually helpful for Christians today, or is it just a legalistic, historical practice?

How did Lent begin? 

There isn’t a definitive answer as to how Lent started. Some historians believe that what began as a short pre-Easter fast eventually developed into a 40-day fast shortly after the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. There is also evidence linking Lent to a period of fasting for those preparing for baptism. Whatever its exact origin, Lent has become one of the most enduring traditions in the Church calendar. But is it one worth engaging with in 2026? (Spoiler: we think so!)

Jesus and Lent

The 40 days of Lent reflect Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness - 40 days in which He suffered, battled with, and overcame the enemy. All over the world, people still observe Lent as a time to focus on Jesus’ journey to the cross and His ultimate act of love. Many choose to give up certain pleasures so they can embrace a measure of suffering and intentionally refocus their hearts and minds.

Avoiding suffering

We live in a world that does everything possible to avoid suffering, pain, and waiting. My children can’t believe that when I was a teenager I had to wait a week or two for an online order to arrive - something incomprehensible in a world of Amazon Prime and next-day delivery. Waiting is no longer something we have to endure. And when it comes to pain or hardship, we often avoid what’s difficult, sheltering our kids from even the smallest risks and finding ourselves lost for words when illness or suffering touches our lives. Yet, suffering and pain are part of the human experience. We can’t escape them, no matter how hard we try to mitigate them.

Practicing Lent 

For hundreds of years, Christians have found Lent to be a helpful practice - allowing a small amount of chosen discomfort (through fasting) to reveal the things they’ve become attached to for security or control. The practice of Lent draws our attention to Jesus’ suffering and creates space for us to walk with Him through our own reality, which holds both joy and pain.

For me, Lent is a precious season set apart in the year. Much like Advent, it offers a defined period of time in which I can focus on my spiritual life in a deeper way.

I often fast from something: over the years it has been bread, music, social media, alcohol, and TV (but not all at once!). I always choose something I genuinely miss so that its absence becomes a regular reminder to pray and spend time with Jesus. Lent is also a great opportunity to be intentional about carving out space for Him. In 2020 I created the first Lent Bible Writing Plan as a way to shape a daily practice during the six weeks. It has since become a much-loved yearly rhythm, and one I wholeheartedly recommend.

Moving toward Easter Day comes with so much more anticipation and joy after spending 40 days reflecting on Jesus’ life and the way He walks with us through ours. Lent prepares us for the celebration at the empty tomb - a joy made possible only because of the suffering that came before it.

Do you need to observe Lent? No.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely!