Introduction
Welcome back to Lent! As always, it has been an honor and a joy to edit this book; and as almost always, you made me wait again this year. Still, in the end we had enough devotions to fill our weekdays, and I thank each of the writers (including at least five first-time contributors!) for sharing their thoughts, time, and insights with our church family as we make our slow but sure journey toward the glory of Easter Sunday.
Once again – as they so often do – a theme or two emerged as I collected and arranged your contributions. There were many musings on the blessing of family and of Christian fellowship. There were also several devotions concerning serving one another – and of being served – especially in the face of a great loss.
It’s pretty amazing. I don’t know how these “themes” appear each year (unless it’s the Holy Spirit prompting us to write on what our readers will need!), but I am always comforted and excited when they do.
Now, just as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions, published in 1974:
Again, we can but say, “Amen.”
Charlie van Becelaere, Editor
Welcome back to Lent! As always, it has been an honor and a joy to edit this book; and as almost always, you made me wait again this year. Still, in the end we had enough devotions to fill our weekdays, and I thank each of the writers (including at least five first-time contributors!) for sharing their thoughts, time, and insights with our church family as we make our slow but sure journey toward the glory of Easter Sunday.
Once again – as they so often do – a theme or two emerged as I collected and arranged your contributions. There were many musings on the blessing of family and of Christian fellowship. There were also several devotions concerning serving one another – and of being served – especially in the face of a great loss.
It’s pretty amazing. I don’t know how these “themes” appear each year (unless it’s the Holy Spirit prompting us to write on what our readers will need!), but I am always comforted and excited when they do.
Now, just as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions, published in 1974:
Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.
One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments.
From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.
The Lenten Committee
Again, we can but say, “Amen.”
Charlie van Becelaere, Editor
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