A note for Lent 2025

Christ in the Garden at Gethsemane, Arkhyp Kuindzhi, 1901

As I sat at a stoplight taking my son to school this morning, I suddenly had a random sense of disorientation. After a moment’s consideration, I realized that the sun was brightly shining on us.

At nearly the same time, Eli and I looked at one another and commented on how strange the brightness seemed. We had come out of a weeks-long period of rain and darkness in Seattle, now experiencing what the locals like to call “false spring.”

At least for me, this dark period had lulled me into an apathy–not just about the weather – but about all the difficult things going on in the world right now. My sensitive personality can become easily overwhelmed by news of war, injustice, poverty, abuses of power, environmental degradation, devaluing of the arts and beauty, and so much more. I know I am not alone.

I can only take the news in teaspoons, if at all. As I sat in the surprise sunlight this morning it occurred to me that this induced apathy may not be a faithful posture for a Christ-follower.

Ephesians 5:14 tells us: “Wake up, sleeper! And rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” We also see the exhortation to stay awake in Jesus’ parable about the bridesmaids waiting on the bridegroom, keeping oil in their lamps; and then ultimately when Jesus asks the disciples to stay awake with him as he labors in prayer at Gethsemane.

Interestingly, the name “Gethsemane” means oil press in Hebrew – the same oil that people would have used in their lamps. So in each text, we have an encouragement to stay awake, followed by an illumination.

This promise of illumination offers us hope that when we are facing a broken world with intention and not apathy, Christ will shine on us. Christ’s light is not fickle like Seattle’s fake spring, but steadfast, and the darkness will not overcome it.

As we journey together into Lent, I invite you to open your eyes. Wake up, and allow the Light of hope and justice and love to fill your heart and mind. As we walk with Jesus to the cross, we can invite the Holy Spirit to help us stay awake with him. Give us oil for our lamps, Lord.

Grace and peace to all of you who have deep feelings and vast hearts. Christ will shine on you.

Awake with you,

Shannon Sigler

Executive Director

The Brehm Center

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P.S. - Experience this short yet meaningful meditation made from our friends at Fuller STUDIO in the video below.