When most people consider Lent, they think of giving up things – soda, meat, candy, etc. Lent is really a commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert as he was confronted with temptation by satan. Giving up something fits with the act of fasting, but Lent is really more about preparing for the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice.
As a kid, I was raised in the Presbyterian church, and a non-denominational Christian church as well. We didn’t really “do” Lent. But now, as an adult, I have made an effort to expose my kids to celebrations, commemorations, festivals, you name it, from multiple faiths. We have connected with Lent, Ramadan, Channukah, Diwali, and so many other celebrations. I think it’s important to show these to my kids so that they better understand their neighbors and how all our faiths are connected.
If you’ve never celebrated Lent, you might be looking for where to start, or some guidance on how this “works”. I’ve collected a few books that might be useful for you below:
Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter by multiple authors – this is an interesting book in that it brings over 70 readings together in one place. With selections from famous writers like C.S. Lewis and Oswald Chambers and lesser-known writers, this selection spans many forms of classical and contemporary literature.
Bitter and Sweet: A Journey into Easter by Tsh Oxenreider – I was immediately attracted to this book because of it’s cover, but the inside is just as amazing! This devotional provides more than just the readings and mediations. Oxenreider provides the historical meaning of the celebration and connects visual and auditory artwork to help learners of all types truly take the season to heart.
He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart by Max Lucado – I am a fan of Max Lucado’s writing style and honest look at why God chose me, and chose you. This is an amazing look at why we can’t do anything to buy the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice, and how God chose every single aspect of that final day.
Women of Holy Week by Paula Gooder and Ally Barratt – The story most of us know about the Crucifixion is told from the viewpoint of an apostle. This book retells those events through the eyes of nine women. If you liked The Chosen series, you will enjoy this book!
For the littlest readers:
The Donkey Who Carried a King by Dr. R.C. Sproul – similar to Women of Holy Week, this book retells the events of the Crucifixion from the viewpoint of a very unlikely source – the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. My son loves this book – it makes the story a little different but very relatable and interesting by using the donkey to ask questions I think everyone has asked about these events at some time in their lives.
The Easter Storybook: 40 Bible Stories Showing Who Jesus Is by Laura Richie and Ian Dale – this book is the companion to The Advent Storybook. The writers take readers through Jesus’ life from his childhood through to Resurrection. With illustrations for each of the 40 stories, this book brings the story to life in a way all young readers will remember.
Jesus Calling: The Story of Easter by Sarah Young and Katya Longhi – If you have enjoyed Young’s other books, you will enjoy reading this book to your children as well! Utilizing easy to read language and short devotions, this book uses Young’s standard style to show how God had already planned how to save his children.
Beyond devotions, fasting, and sacrifice, there are other ways to bring Lent to life for your family. We choose to give up our time by doing acts of kindness for those around us. Bring a meal to someone in need, deliver clothing to a shelter, pay for someone’s morning coffee. There are so many other ways beyond fasting to ready your heart for the Easter season.
If you are celebrating Lent this week in a non-traditional way, please share your journey in the comments below!
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