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time in the desert. It is also a time to consider the sacrifice he made when dying on the cross to redeem humanity from sin. Christians attempt to make personal sacrifices in a gesture of gratitude and humility. Lent concludes on Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin. ■ Origins of Lent Christianity Christians believe that Jesus, also known as Christ, or Jesus Christ, was the son of God who was born on Earth to teach people about God. He spent several years preaching to the Jews of Israel and then was arrested and executed by the Romans. The Romans executed him by nailing him to a cross and leaving him to hang there until he died (an accepted form of execution for the Romans of that time). Jesus’ death is considered the sacrifice that God, and Jesus, made to make it possible for believers to have their sins forgiven so that they can go to Heaven after they die. Today the cross is a symbol of Christianity throughout the world. p  A woman receives a cross of ash on her forehead at Mass in observance of Ash Wednesday in Mexico City, Mexico. Ash Wednesday begins the austere period of personal sacrifice and reflection known as Lent.

Lent, Yom Kippur & Days of Repentance

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