‘Twas the Season of Lent

I was listening to a sermon today where the pastor talked about getting star words on Epiphany. She had started this as a prayer practice and was a bit startled when her star word turned out to be LEADERSHIP. She found that, as the year went on, holding this word in prayer really helped her to focus on what God was calling her to be doing in that time, so when she announced that the word she got for this year was STORY, I was rather excited. I have been STORY’s biggest fan since I was a child, reading everything I could get my hands on, trying to figure out how I could be LeVar Burton and be part of Reading Rainbow, saving my pennies to purchase beloved titles from book fairs. Boy howdy, could I be down for a year of STORY. STORY transforms us, gives us new windows, shows us how to understand people differently. STORY breathes life into dark corners, connects us with others, and guides our steps. This is precisely why I adore Glenys Nellist’s newest title, ‘Twas the Season of Lent. This little volume packs God’s most loving STORY into accessible chunks for families to savor throughout the season of Lent.

‘Twas the Season of Lent is a collection of 40 devotions and prayers written specifically for families. Each devotion is a page in length (or less), accompanied by beautifully designed illustrations. The words are accessible to all, the cadence is light, producing texts that expertly and appropriately explain Jesus’s ministry, the events of his life, and the chronology and actions of Holy Week. The stories are engaging enough to hold my older teens and young adult children’s attention (as well as giving them something to think about), and accessible enough for my early elementary aged children and toddler. It can be hard to find family-friendly Lenten devotionals that get to the heart of what we are called to be as Christians. Glenys Nellist knocks it out of the park and gives families a new treasure to be enjoyed year after year.

This book packs quite a story-filled punch for your ministry. Yes, this book would be wonderful to give as gifts to families in your congregation. Yes, you should have a copy for your library. Yes, you can use this as the spine of children’s moments during Lent. I wouldn’t stop there. I could use this as a midweek Lenten offering for families; reading the stories at home and coming together on Wednesdays to respond to what we gleaned in a Family Music and Art Camp. I would tape up window frames and let families paint the glass to create responses to the devotions and prayers. I would bring out the Kristal Bells or Suzuki hand chimes and have families learn sacred songs in response to what they have read. Art and music are other ways of sharing story, and this devotional equips the readers to do so using the gifts and talents God has given them. Additionally, these selections would be wonderful additions to your Bedtime Stories and Prayers ministry. This book is much more than meets the eye!