This year’s 40-day traditional season of abstinence, Lent Season symbolizes Jesus Christ’s sacrifices before He was crucified which then leads to Christian’s most holy day, Easter. And Christians, in accordance with the holy season, choose something they can give up until the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Lent is in connection with the 40-day fast that Jesus Christ underwent. It can be read under the books of Mark 1:13, Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. The scriptures reveals to us how Jesus was tempted by Satan. And according to readings, Jesus went without food for straight 40 days.
But, unlike the biblical stories about Jesus’ sacrifices, most of the faithful observers are not going without food for this long period. Instead, they give up for things that will allow them to have more time with repentance and reflection and among the popular things, in modern days, are giving up social media and TV.
According to data presented by Homepride, a British baking goods company, 5 percent of the adults said they planned to give up alcoholic beverages. Another 6 percent of people said they would go without sweets while 10 percent of people said they planned to give up chocolate for this holy season.
However, 47 percent of the respondents did not plan to give up anything though they belong to the most faithful and observant Christians.
In the year 2014, 88 percent of the people said they would give up food. The research was conducted by Barna group, a faith-focused research firm. The study shows that most Christians, give up food and vices as their form of honoring Christ’s sacrifices. love and to renew their faith.
In 2015, the Washington Post compiled a list of most popular Lent sacrifices based on different social media posting. The list includes chocolate, Twitter, searing, alcohol, soda, social networking, fast foods and sweets.
According to religious scholars, what's important for this season is that Christians should honor Jesus' sacrifies, repent sins and reflect like what Jesus had done during his 40-day fasting.
