One of my favorite Christmas traditions I have is the countdown via advent calendar. The anticipation for the holiday reached a huge climax after days of opening the little windows and waiting for number 24. In the same way, I believe Easter is more meaningful with an organized countdown during lent. Lent is typically the 40 days before Easter and is a time for reflection of the suffering and resurrection of Christ. There are many creative traditions to adopt for this time of meditation including adding a thorn to Jesus crown, a coin for almsgiving, or opening an egg with a scripture, these are ways to make Easter a season and to focus on the Savior.
I created my own Lenten Meditation called the Lent Event. The Template may be copied. Each day one line of the poem is read along with a scripture. You may cut out the colorful corresponding pictures to add to the 40 day countdown page. Here are the words of the poem:
The Lent Event R Kohn 2013
1 A donkey untied gave Jesus a ride.
2 Palm leaves touted while people shouted.
3 Tables tossed as Christ cleaned His house.
4 Children praised when the Sick were raised.
5 The Fig tree was booed for it had no fruit.
6 Christ wished to defend his own like a hen.
7 Perfume was poured as a gift to the Lord.
8 With silver coins paid, Judas betrayed.
9 A towel to clean Christ used on friend’s feet.
10 Bread was broken, as Christ’s body a token.
11 The Cup of Wine, for His Blood divine.
12 They finished their food and all sang a tune.
13 An Olive grove, the place He strove.
14 His sweat turned to blood, while Christ spoke to God.
15 Friends sawing Zs, fall to sleep.
16 A torch in the night, things did not feel right.
17 A kiss from a friend, brought Him to his end.
18 Peter had fear and sliced a man’s ear.
19 He warmed by the fire, to see what transpired.
20 Three times denied, then a rooster cried.
21 Wash hands in water, the guilt may not bother.
22 A whip with lead, Christ’s back was shred.
23 A purple robe, guards made a show.
24 Thorns formed a crown, on His head pressed down.
25 A scepter-reed, in jest bowed knees.
26 A cross large and rough, to carry was tough.
27 Women cried tears, they followed near.
28 Skull Hill in vision, this was His mission.
29 Nails went in, though He did not sin.
30 Dice were thrown, to win His robe.
31 Up went the sign, His title defined.
32 The sun ceased light, darkness veiled sight.
33 A sponge was raised, with vinegar to taste.
34 In went the spear, the fluid was clear.
35 The curtain rent, where only priests went.
36 The earth quaked, saints rose from the grave.
37 They wrapped him in linen, this was a given.
38 A Rock was rolled, the tomb enclosed.
39 Spices were fixed, to embalm Jesus with.
40 An angel appeared, to say “He’s not here.”
To finalize your countdown, you can rehab a perpetual calendar with paint and modge podge.
