Lenten season an opportunity to focus on God's gift

Today marks the beginning of Lent, a period of time leading up to Easter Sunday, during which many Christians will participate in special church services, prayer and sacrifice -- a form of fasting -- to focus on God.

The origins of Lent date back to the early centuries following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the 600s, Gregory the Great called for Lent to begin on Wednesday (it previously began on Sunday), and today we refer to this day as Ash Wednesday.

Some will have ashes in a symbol of the cross placed on their forehead today. Others will not but may participate in other traditions aimed at encouraging Christians to focus more on their faith and prayer to God.

Despite the changes to Lent, the practice of fasting is biblical. You can find references in Scripture, including Mark 4, where Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights -- with which the modern timeframe of Lent is consistent.

In Matthew, Jesus is quoted in chapter 6, verses 16 through 18, on how believers should fast.

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Though focusing on one's faith in God should be more than once a year, having these opportunities to dig deeper and grow in faith are important.

May this season of Lent draw you closer to the Creator as we lead up to the miracle of Easter Sunday.