LENT: The English word lent (stems from an Anglo-Saxon word for “spring” and is related to the English word lengthen) refers to the penitential period preceding Easter. Early Christians felt that the magnitude of the Easter celebration called for special preparation. As early as the second century, many Christians observed several days of fasting as part of that preparation. Fred A. Grissom

               Lent is the period of 40 weekdays before Easter observed in some Christian churches as a period of prayer, penance, fasting, and self-denial. This period, starting on Ash Wednesday (02-18-26) in Western churches, commemorates the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness.

               As we celebrate the Savior, we will endeavor to understand the true nature of The Atonement: The Deity of Christ during this season of Easter—2026. Of course, begging the question: “do I understand that Jesus is Divine (God-like)?”

               Ash Wednesday officially begins the countdown to Easter (04-05-26). Some Churches have a special service whereby members receive “ash” on the forehead in the shape of a cross; followed with similar words: “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.” Scripture reminds us of our mortality and urges each sinner to repent in order to have everlasting life and security.

               In essence, we are preparing for heaven; getting ready for the great reunion; finishing the work that God sets before us. Remembering, our work is not about earning our place, nor proving our worthiness, or that we deserve such a place – heaven. The plan of Salvation hinges on justification, designed by God from the foundations (Hebrew 9:23-27) of the world; being perfect in design and implementation. In addition, the proof of God being satisfied with the sacrificial death of Christ is implicit by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

               It is proper for Christians to focus upon the deity of Jesus Christ, the necessary sacrifice, and discover a new understanding that Jesus is divine. It was by God’s divine hand man was created and it was a necessary sacrifice by Jesus’ divine blood man was reconciled. Jesus, alone, makes the way to heaven, not us, not our works or deeds. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We are but dust; He is the great and magnificent Savior.

                              Larry D. Mason