Feb. 13 – Acknowledging the Dark

I’ve often heard it said that Easter is our most important Christian holiday, trumping

Christmas, but felt that we don’t live it out that way. As a mom, I’ve tried to be

thoughtful about how we celebrate Christmas, and particularly Advent. We try to do

things throughout the season to help our family recognize the true meaning of

Christmas. But what do we do about Lent? How do we “celebrate” Lent? How do we

recognize the true meaning of Easter? Are we (and our children) catching the spirit

of this season, and are we living out the Gospel through our Lenten and Easter

practices?

Part of the trouble is that Lent is quiet, contemplative; there’s even some darkness.

It doesn’t translate as easily into fun family activities. But as wise Solomon tells us,

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven….A time to

cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 4,

NLT) Life is meant to have highs and lows, and a season of dark is necessary for us

to appreciate the light when it comes. Lent is about stepping into what Christ did for

us and considering His preparation for the cross. Our families will benefit from

acknowledging the dark, even though it’s not quite as much fun as counting down

the days before His birth.

– Julie Dahlberg