A Lenten Display for the Home

This year, with the onset of March, instead of heading straight for the usual spring decor, I decided I first wanted to create an area in our home that reflects the liturgical season we are in which is Lent.
 Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent.

Lent is a time (the 6 weeks preceding Easter) where we examine our sinful nature and reflect on the tremendous sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf, dying on the cross for our sins.  Through His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life.

For my lenten display, I grouped various items together which help us remember the different events that took place in the days leading up to Jesus' death.

Below are faux leaves which represent the palm branches which were waved to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. 

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”   John 12:13

This rooster symbolizes the following bible verse where Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowing Him.

"Before the Rooster crows, you will have denied me three times"   Matthew 26:34 

This Bible is open to the chapter which depicts Peter's denial of Jesus.

(Peter denies knowledge of Jesus - Mark 16:66-72)

The burlap bag and coins represent the "30 pieces of silver" Judas received for betraying Jesus.   

  “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.  Matthew 26:15

This weathered cross reminds us of Christ's crucifixion.  

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).  There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.   John 19:17

The wheat and grapes symbolize the bread and wine of Communion which Jesus instituted during The Last Supper.

While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."   Matthew 26:26 -28

I placed a couple of red napkins in the display to remind us of  the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross. 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.    Ephesians 1:7

Can you imagine the pain of nails or spikes being pounded into your hands and feet while being nailed to a cross?

  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.      1 Peter 2:24

The candlelight reminds us that Jesus came to be "a light to the world"

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

Pussywillow branches symbolize the promise of new life we have in the Resurrection of Jesus which we will celebrate at the end of Lent on Easter Sunday.

 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 

 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.        Matthew 28:5-6

Do you have any decor items that you could use to remind you that it is Lent?  While it is fun to see all the bunnies and Easter decor out, having an area in your home decorated in a more somber tone is a good reminder of Jesus' love for us at this special time of year.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  ^{John 3:16}

During the next 6 weeks, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and thoughtful reflection on your relationship with God. Read your bible, do daily devotions. Perhaps you might want to give up a food item that you enjoy or abstain from an activity as a personal sacrifice.

By doing so, you will be all the more eager and ready to celebrate the true meaning of Easter when it arrives (on April 16th this year).
Jesus said , “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.    John 11:25

Please note that my blog posts may be fewer over the next while as I take the time to concentrate on my Lenten disciplines. 

Thanks for visiting!

I'll be linking this post to these wonderful blog parties:

Saturday Sparks on Pieced Pastimes

Share it One More Time at Everyday Home

A Bouquet of Talent  at Life on Lakeshore Drive
Sundays at Home at Love of Home
Silver Pennies Sunday at Silver Pennies

Dishing It & Digging It at Rustic & Refined
Amaze Me Mondays at Dwellings
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Show & Share at Coastal Charm
Celebrate Your Story at Celebrate & Decorate

The Scoop at Stone Gable

Inspire Me Tuesdays at A Stroll Thru Life

Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away From Home

Tutorials & Tips at Home Stories A to Z

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Winter Blues at DIY by Design

Brag About It at My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies

Share Your Style at Essence of Home

Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson

Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

Home Matters at Life with Lorelai

Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Foodie Friday & Everything Else at Rattlebridge Farm

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage