A branch of Christianity promotes and observes a time of "lent". It is a forty-day process that is exercised by certain believers in preparation for Easter Sunday as well as both the restoration of one's spirit and faith with Christ Jesus.  The process consists of forty days and nights (except Sundays) in which an abstinence-sacrifice is made from something one may eat, drink, and/or do. Furthermore, it is believed that the sacrifice made during this time period fulfills a penance regarding one's repentance of identified sins.  Although this practice has been around for many years, many believers within Christianity still do not practice it.

​When the Easter season begins in the U.S., there are both religious and spiritual elements present from both Judaism and Christianity.  I say Christianity because its foundations lay in Judaism and the institution set forth by Yeshua (Jesus); the Church (universal Body of Christ). Furthermore, with this season, we also have the Judaic festivals of Purim, Unleavened Bread, and Passover.  In addition, there are several important days for Christianity: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter (Resurrection) Sunday; all of which give object reference to the person of Yeshua as the Messiah. Although this selection is not in a formal academic format, much research has been done through established Jewish and Christian organizations, books, and articles.

​For many years, I have read through the passage of Jesus at a wedding in Canaan, (John 2:1-11). I saw many elements within it, yet never the simplicity of a tremendous message of things to come through fulfillment of a new covenant and work of Jesus.  It was far beyond the scope of my vision for many years.

In a film, "Like a Thief in the Night", a young man is working at a zoo, doing maintenance of a cage box inside a reptile house.  As he is working, a snake makes its way out of its cage box, which has been inadvertently left unlocked by someone.  The snake comes to a rest near some of the tools and hardware that are being used by the young man.  The young man is unaware of the snake's presence or place of rest, so without looking, he reaches out for a tool ... and the snake bites into his hand.