For Lutherans (at least LCMS) Lent is kind of a penitential season. Ash Wednesday was yesterday and signifies the official beginning of the Lenten season. Is is a time of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Good Friday and Easter. (No, I don't fast). During this season especially, I try to reflect on how I live and carry out my life as a Christian... looks like it's time to change some of the things that I'm doing. But what do the ashes represent? They "represent repentance, sacrifice and the claim of Christ and the cross as the way to forgiveness and new life". In other words, it is time to get down to the serious business of living in the way that God wants us to.
The thing I remember most about Lent as a child was having to "give something up". The Scriptures themselves do not require this. But my parents focused on this aspect to teach me to remember what Christ gave up for me -- He gave His life on that cross. It is great in theory to personalize it and try giving something up for Lent, but I never truly understood the true meaning of this until I got a bit older.
I found the following information on the net and wanted to share ways that you can teach your kids about Lent (it is from 2008, but the message is the same).
Teaching Children to Make Meaningful Lent Promises
Lent promises are in important and meaningful tradition in the Christian tradition. Children can learn a lot about their faith by making and keeping Lent promises.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/559003/teaching_children_to_make_meaningful.html
Best wishes on your journey toward the cross on Good Friday and waking up to the joys of the resurrected Christ on Easter Sunday!
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