March 2024

​Dear Church,
​
Let us reflect on His grace during Lent.
I was inspired by a poem written by Diana Ng-Sutherland and am sharing it here with you expecting God will bring changes in us through this period of Lent.

Lord Jesus, when I am sad and depressed,
Help me think of you praying in the garden.
Lord Jesus, when I am fearful,
help me to think of you being taken prisoner.
Lord Jesus, when I am ill,
help me to think of you being scourged at the pillar.
Lord Jesus, when I have a headache,
help me to think of you wearing the crown of thorns.
Lord Jesus, when I am tired,
help me to think of you carrying the cross for love of me.
Lord Jesus, when I am humiliated,
help me to think of you being stripped of your garments.
Lord Jesus, when I am in pain,
help me to think of you being nailed to the cross.
Lord Jesus, when I am lonely,
help me to think of you hanging on the cross.
Lord Jesus, when I am dying,
Help me to think of you dying on the cross for love of me.
Lord Jesus, help me to remember,
how much you suffered for love of me,
and help me to love you more and more.
Amen

During the Lent period, people get ready to give up something which primarily helps believers to draw their focus on God as a spiritual discipline. There are no mandatory regulations given in scripture to observe Lent in a specific fashion though we can take heed of it to develop a much closer relationship with God. Lent is the period of preparation. In fact, our Christian life itself is a preparation on this earth until we see Him.
Lent is the advent season for the Lord’s resurrection day. We humble ourselves before God’s presence reflecting his suffering and sacrifice for our sake. Lent is the advent season to reflect on from dust to Glory. We reflect on His life which was glorified through his perfect will, submission, and desire for many to be glorified. Lent is the advent season for the upcoming Pentecostal Sunday. His mission on this earth was not completed by resurrection alone but began in a powerful way through sending His Holy Spirit.

Let this season not only get us closer to God but also help others to come to know Christ. Let our preparation during this season be extended for the rest of our life on this earth and after.

God Bless,
Amutha