Mardis Gras and Me

Mardi Gras “ is a lively, colorful celebration held on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins ,” says the World Book Encyclopedia. It “ goes back to an ancient Roman custom of merrymaking before a period of fast. ” In places like New Orleans, the period of merrymaking with fancy balls and parades goes on for weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday itself. Today, February 28, 2017, is known throughout many places and Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, or "Mardis Gras" in French. Today marks the end of Mardi Gras celebrations around the world. Some will have pancakes for dinner. Some will eat King Cake and wear beads. Others will see how much trouble they can get into. . . all this leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season.

Paul reminds us that "where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so GRACE might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

So whether you will celebrate, eat all the sweets you can handle, or have a pancake eating contest, the real Reason for the Season is still the Savior! As believers, we are looking forward to His return and doing what is necessary to prepare our hearts properly. So Lent, the forty days before Resurrection Day, we give up pleasures. We focus upon Christ and His giving up Himself for each of us. We focus upon our God who gives us pleasure in knowing He alone can save us from this world. Lent then, is a time of repentance, prayer, and focus. Are you ready? Are YOU prepared? He is coming back . . .Now that will be a PARTY!