In 1986 Swedish glam-rock band Europe released a song with a spacey synthesizer sound. The Final Countdown became a surprise hit worldwide, and even 35 years later can be heard at sporting events, on the radio and TV, including a GEICO commercial.
The countdown to Easter began one week ago with Ash Wednesday. Lent is the 40 days not including Sundays before Easter, and has been observed by Christians since at least the 4th century. But Lent is not just a countdown, but a special time of preparation for Easter. As we look forward to our celebration our Lord’s resurrection from the dead, we first contemplate His death, and the reason Jesus chose to give His life on the cross. We remember that it was because of our sin that He came. Romans chapter 3 reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. On our own we would be lost and condemned, but out of love for us, for YOU, Jesus sacrificed His life in exchange for ours. We remember that He was humbled, humiliated, suffered, and died for each one of us. So we repent of our sins, trusting in His promise to forgive them, and by faith, grant us life eternal.
It’s 39 days until Easter (34 not counting Sundays, because every Sunday is itself a mini-Easter). But rather than just counting down the days, make use of them! Prepare your hearts through worship, Bible study, and devotions. We are on the final countdown to eternity, but only God knows the number of our days. Rather than worrying about how busy life is, or how short, use each day in service to God and one another. Share the love of God through word and deed!
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