Lent is the time in the Christian calendar when Christians prepare for Easter. Traditionally it has been a time of fasting as Christians contemplate again the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and as we remember his love for us. Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day - is the last opportunity before this period to use up all those goodies in the kitchen. Ash Wednesday then marks the beginning of the 40 day Lent period (Sundays are not included in the 40 days - as these are days of celebration).
For many Lent is still a time to give something up - usually chocolate, alcohol or television. But how about this year doing something a little different? Christian Aid's Lent resource encourages us to count our blessings and do something to help the world's poor. Each day in their Lent programme has an activity. For example:
More than a billion children will not go to school this year. Give 20p for every year you have spent in full time education.
Other activities provide prayer points to pray for the world's poorest communities.
This resource can be downloaded at http://www.christianaid.org.uk/Images/countyourblessings.pdf
Why not download a copy and count your blessings as you prepare yourself to remember again the death and resurrection of Jesus.
