In the past, some have called it Fat Tuesday. Others have come to know it as Mardi Gras. A few only seem to know that New Orleans seems to throw a really big party on it (and beads seem to play a fairly prominent role in that, sadly). And yet, if you were to ask quite a few people why these days are so celebrated, I have no doubt that many absolutely wouldn't know.
So why is this day celebrated? It's the day before Ash Wednesday. And for those who may not know what Ash Wednesday is, it is the day that "liturgical" Christians churches observe as the beginning of the season of Lent (I'll explain a bit more on Lent later on this week.). Very briefly, Lent typically involves the "giving up" of something sinful that draws us away from God as we think about what Jesus gave up to make us right with God.
In centuries past, this holy season was taken so seriously that many people would overly indulge on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. In a sense, they were getting their sinfulness out of the way for the season of Lent. The over-indulgence that took place may explain some of the celebrations I listed out in the first paragraph today, and I think you can see why.
So what you are doing on this day before Ash Wednesday? Part of me hopes that you are giving some thought to the season of Lent. Maybe some of you have decided to "give up" something for Lent. I've even heard of some people choosing to not only give up something, but to take on some new discipline to grow them closer to God. Both of these are commendable, though I would also urge those who do such things to make sure that they really are taking it seriously.
More than anything, though, I hope you are not indulging in the idea that you can indulge in your sin, and then simply give it up for the season. While God understands that we will always struggle with sin, to willfully indulge in it does really seem to go against God's grace, and even seems to invite His judgment. So I really do hope that you aren't planning on going crazy, especially if you are making use of this season of Lent to battle against some sin that draws you away from God.
Even as you think about these things, I also encourage you to remember that ours is a God of grace. Jesus has lived, died, and risen to bring you to new life with God. It's not your "giving up" something that makes you right with God. Only Jesus does that. But I do commend you in your attempt to grow in your walk of faith.
A blessed day before Ash Wednesday to you all!
So why is this day celebrated? It's the day before Ash Wednesday. And for those who may not know what Ash Wednesday is, it is the day that "liturgical" Christians churches observe as the beginning of the season of Lent (I'll explain a bit more on Lent later on this week.). Very briefly, Lent typically involves the "giving up" of something sinful that draws us away from God as we think about what Jesus gave up to make us right with God.
In centuries past, this holy season was taken so seriously that many people would overly indulge on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. In a sense, they were getting their sinfulness out of the way for the season of Lent. The over-indulgence that took place may explain some of the celebrations I listed out in the first paragraph today, and I think you can see why.
So what you are doing on this day before Ash Wednesday? Part of me hopes that you are giving some thought to the season of Lent. Maybe some of you have decided to "give up" something for Lent. I've even heard of some people choosing to not only give up something, but to take on some new discipline to grow them closer to God. Both of these are commendable, though I would also urge those who do such things to make sure that they really are taking it seriously.
More than anything, though, I hope you are not indulging in the idea that you can indulge in your sin, and then simply give it up for the season. While God understands that we will always struggle with sin, to willfully indulge in it does really seem to go against God's grace, and even seems to invite His judgment. So I really do hope that you aren't planning on going crazy, especially if you are making use of this season of Lent to battle against some sin that draws you away from God.
Even as you think about these things, I also encourage you to remember that ours is a God of grace. Jesus has lived, died, and risen to bring you to new life with God. It's not your "giving up" something that makes you right with God. Only Jesus does that. But I do commend you in your attempt to grow in your walk of faith.
A blessed day before Ash Wednesday to you all!
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