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Movie/Show: 1923 with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren
Book: Lessons in Chemistry
Place: Gallrein Farms Shelbyville
Quote: “A good day isn’t always Perfect . It challenges you to Release your potential and Inspires you to appreciate the Little, amazing things in life. “
Lent is a period of fasting and penance that is observed by many Christians around the world. The history of Lent dates back to the early days of Christianity, and it has evolved over time to become the observance that we know today.
The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lencten,” which means “spring.” Lent is traditionally observed during the spring season, and it is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Christians began observing a period of fasting and penance in preparation for Easter soon after Jesus’s ascension, but the length and timing of this period varied. By the fourth century, there was a growing consensus that Lent should last for 40 days, in imitation of the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.
The practice of Lent was formalized in the Roman world by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, which established the date Easter and the length of the Lenten season. They decided that Lent was to begin on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter, but Sundays were not included in the fasting period. This brought the total number of fasting days to 40, in keeping with the biblical symbolism.
During the Middle Ages, Lent became an increasingly important part of the church calendar. It was a time of intense spiritual preparation, marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of penance. Many people would give up meat, dairy, and other important foods during Lent, and some would even fast completely for Monday-Saturday eating only on Sunday.
During the Protestant Reformation, the observance of Lent fell out of favor in may protestant communities. However, many Protestant denominations have since reinstated the practice, and it remains an important part of the church calendar for many Christians.
Today, Lent is observed in may different ways around the world. Some Christians give up certain foods or habits during Lent, while others choose to take on new spiritual renewal and preparation, as we reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and recommit ourselves to living a life that is centered on God
One Sunday afternoon the young Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was complaining about the deplorable hymns that were sung at church. At that time, metered renditions of the Psalms were sung by a cantor and then repeated (none too fervently, Watts would add) by the congregation. His father, the pastor of the church, rebuked him with "I'd like to see you write something better!" As legend has it, Isaac retired to his room and appeared several hours later with his first hymn. It was enthusiastically received at the Sunday evening service the same night.
Although the tale probably is more legend than fact, it does illustrate the point that the songs of the church need a constant infusion of new life, of a new generation's praises. With over 600 hymns to his credit— many of them classics like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"—Isaac Watts has rightfully earned the title, "the father of English hymnody." This hymn, which is known as Watts' crowning achievement, was first published in Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1707. Besides writing thousands of hymn tunes he was a church choir director, the president of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society, and a leading figure in music education.
Though “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” was intended originally as a communion hymn, it gives us plenty to contemplate during this Lenten season as our focus is on the cross of Christ. The hymn is said to be based on Galatians 6:14 (“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”) which is evident in a verse that Watts eliminated from later editions of the hymn:
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er his body on the tree;
Then am I dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Perhaps Watts eliminated this verse in order to focus more attention on our response to Christ’s crucifixion than the crucifixion itself. Notice how he starts with contemplation of the cross and the fact that all our worldly achievements and possessions pale in comparison. Next, he shows that Christ went to the cross out of love for us. In the most powerful image of the hymn, he affirms the deity of the suffering Christ with the brilliant juxtaposition: “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?” And the last verse shows that the only proper response to this amazing love is complete devotion.
Take some time during Lent to meditate upon the words of this hymn and see if it works in you a new understanding of the depth of Christ's love. Here are some related verses:
Phil. 3:7: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
Gal. 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Movie/Show: Ted Lasso returns for Season 3 on Apple TV
Book: Where the Crawdads Sing and The Four Winds
Good News: First Day of spring is March 20. Pansies are in stock.
Places to Visit: Asheville, NC -The Biltmore and hiking.
Send me any of your favorites too!
Blessings,
Patti
Let’s Celebrate February with love for everyone.
Movie: The Banshees of Inisherin
Book: Unoffendable, by Brant Hansen
Good News: Scientist say, “Cheese isn’t bad for you.” Places to Visit: The Pinnacles in Berea for hiking.
Norton Hospital is asking the public to send cards, to child patients through Feb 10.
Hurstbourne Christian Church is an open and affirming church where all people are welcome, regardless of your background or experience. Our aim is to provide a safe place for people to find belonging and community, and to grow in their relationship with God.
Physical Address: 601 Notthingham Parkway, Louisville KY 40222
Mailing Address: 657 South Hurstbourne Pkwy #349, Louisville, KY 40222
Worship Service: Sunday @ 10:30 A.M.