Surprising to many, the observance of a Lenten season actually predates the celebration of Christmas...
This season of preparation offers Chritians an opportunity to remember anew the lengths to which God went to save us who were once lost in our sin and far from Him... 3/3

Historically, this tradition can be traced back to shortly after the Council of Nicea in 325 AD- with echoes of a pre-paschal fast tradition that reaches as far back as Irenaeus of Lyons in the second century AD... 2/3

Today- Ash Wednesday- marks the beginning of Lent, when Christians around the world will take part in a forty-six day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Good Friday and Easter... 1/3