“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen…” (Matthew 28:5)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection that leads to Easter Sunday.

Lent, which began this year on Ash Wednesday, February 26, represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry. It is a season of repentance and an awareness of the sin that separates us from God. It’s marked by a time of fasting so that we as believers can focus on what it cost God to reunite with us—the death of his son Jesus on the cross. During this time of fasting, we are not to focus on our own desires the way we do when we give up something like sweets as a New Year’s resolution. Instead, our time of fasting should allow us to focus on God and all he has done for us.

The reward of Lent, as with any sacrifice, is that we draw closer to God. Many Christians choose not to participate in Lent because they feel it is too legalistic—another rule to be followed. When deciding whether to participate, we should seek God and examine our motives. If we’re brave enough, we’ll ask him to search our hearts to reveal any impure, selfish motives. If we’re participating as a badge of pride, then we’re doing it for the wrong reasons.

As we approach Holy Week, we remember that the culmination of this season is Easter Sunday, when we observe Jesus’ resurrection. As we celebrate, remember to thank God for all he has done in order for us to have new life through him.

Dear Jesus, thank you for this season in which we celebrate your death and resurrection. Help me to focus on you throughout this season and each day moving forward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.