February 2026: A Lenten Message from a brother Christian(son)
Greetings in the name of the Lord! I hope this February is one that is blessed for you and your loved ones. A brother pastor sent me a newsletter article written by one of his elders, and it was so wonderful, I thought to share the great message from a brother in another congregation. Thank you to Mr. Gary Christianson of Alexandria, MN for a wonderful Lenten message:
“As we enter the holy season of Lent, the Church once again turns our hearts toward repentance, reflection, and renewal. Lent is not merely a time of self-denial, but a sacred journey that leads us to the cross of Christ, where our Savior bore our sins in His body and won for us forgiveness, life, and salvation.
The word repentance means more than sorrow over sin. It is a daily turning away from ourselves and a daily turning toward Christ. In this season, we are invited to examine our lives in the light of God’s Law, to confess our sins honestly, and to cling in faith to the Gospel promise that “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
I encourage you to make faithful use of the gifts Christ gives His Church during Lent. Gather around God’s Word in worship and in your daily devotions. Receive the forgiveness of sins in Holy Absolution. Come to the Lord’s Table, where Christ gives His true body and blood for the strengthening of your faith. These are not works we offer to God, but gracious gifts He gives to us for our salvation.
Some people give something up for Lent (self-denial). From the perspective of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, "giving something up for Lent" is entirely a matter of Christian freedom. It would be wrong, from our perspective, for the church to make some sort of "law" requiring its members to "give something up for Lent," since the Scriptures themselves do not require this. If, on the other hand, a Christian wants to give something up for Lent as a way of remembering and personalizing the great sacrifice that Christ made on the cross for our sins, then that Christian is certainly free to do so--as long as he or she does not "judge" or "look down on" other Christians who do not choose to do this.
Is there something you enjoy that you want to sacrifice for a while, like your daily latte? Or is it a bad habit you want to conquer, like running late to meetings with co-workers? Or perhaps it would be good for you to give up alcohol or chips or chocolate? Find something that works for you, and whatever it is, may it help you to turn towards God in this holy season of Lent.
Lent also calls us to lives of humble service and love toward our neighbors. Forgiven sinners are freed to serve, reflecting Christ’s mercy in word and deed. [Perhaps you could add rather than subtract – volunteer this Lenten season for a neighbor or to a local charity.]
May this Lenten season draw you ever closer to Christ crucified and risen for you. We walk this journey together, confident in the hope of Easter.”