By Glenys Nellist and Beth Murphy
Most of us have heard of Advent calendars. Even kids who don't come from a church background are often familiar with the concept of counting down the 25 days to Christmas with a calendar, probably because they're usually filled with 25 little chocolates or Legos or something equally fun.
So why not a Lent calendar?
You can bring this fun tradition to your family in the countdown to Easter, as well! The 40 days of the Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday is the perfect time to introduce devotional time and Bible reading into to your family's daily routine. A Lent countdown calendar provides a visual way of tracking your progress and a daily reminder to do the reading. Plus, the act of checking off each day as you move closer to the holiday is fun and satisfying.
Author Glenys Nellist has written a beautiful 40-day devotional book for families, that includes a daily scripture for each day of Lent, a short, one-page devotional, and a brief prayer, along with many free resources, including a Lent countdown calendar.
From Glenys:
Thank you so much for joining me on this 40-day journey as we read Twas the Season of Lent together. My hope and prayer is that this book might help you pause and bring meaning to this sacred season.
Here are some tips that will help you make the most out of your reading:
- Try to establish a specific time when you will read the book each day. This will look different for everyone, but if you can manage it, it will help create a habit of your daily reading.
- Try to establish a special area or reading spot where you can read each day. If you have children, they can help prepare that space, perhaps with a candle (battery operated if necessary), a snack and comfortable seating.
- Begin on Ash Wednesday and read one devotion per day excluding Sundays.
If you have time, begin by reading the scripture upon which each devotion is based; follow this with the story and finish with the prayer.
- Children have varying attention spans! If the story seems long, paraphrase it.
Leave time to ponder the pictures and talk about them.
- Since Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent, use those days to look back on the few stories you read in the previous week. Which one was your favorite? Why? Reread that one.
- Even if you are reading alone, try reading the stories aloud. There is power in hearing the words.
- The book is divided into four sections, covering The Mission, The Message, The Ministry and The Mystery of Jesus. Pause at each section to read the poem and look at the pictures. Ask: How does this picture make me feel?
- Use the accompanying printable 40 Day Lenten Calendar Path as you countdown to Easter. Color each day or put a sticker over it.
- Since the book is focused on encouraging us to join Jesus in his mission to the lost, the least and the lonely, think and talk about what specific mission-oriented activities you could do during these 40 days. Plan those days ahead of time and write these projects on your calendar.
- Finally, if you don’t manage to read one or two of the days, don’t worry… forty days is a long time! Do what you can! Enjoy this Lenten journey and know that God is with you.
Get the Twas the Season of Lent book and download the FREE calendar here.
Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple children's books including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas and the popular series Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David. Learn more at GlenysNellist.com