This year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. Lent has been observed by Christians since the fourth century. It is a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. Lent ends at midnight on Holy Saturday, the night before Easter Sunday.
During Lent some focus on giving up something. Is it absolutely necessary for the observation of Lent to give up a delicacy or a bad habit or an hour of sleep-in order to pray? Who can truly say? What one does during the Lenten period should be a matter between a Christian and God. Some may decide to do something extra for their spiritual growth. Other may indeed “give up” something that’s a hindrance to the spiritual life. Some may make a special sacrifice of some sort. And some may decide to improve their communication and fellowship with God by having special times of prayer throughout the day, or vow to worship in the church at every service held.
The important thing is to make Lent a special time, a memorable time. A time so meaningful that it sets the tone for the rest of the entire year. At the very least it should be a time of sincere spiritual growth.