People say silly things during Lent. Now you can tick them off your Lent Bingo card!

The fact that Lent – the most unfun festival in the Christian calendar – has survived this long must be down to a work of God, says Jonty Langley. However you’re marking it this year, why not join in with our game of Lent Bingo

The persistence of Lent is perhaps the strongest evidence that God is still at work within the Church.

It has to be God, because it’s not like Lent is fun. Christmas is fun. Joy, indulgence, generosity with ourselves and with others, presents… what’s not to love? Of course that’s going to survive.

But Lent is, in many ways, the anti-Christmas. It should not be popular. And yet, Lent is enjoyed (or endured) by millions, both inside and outside the Church.

Perhaps this is because there is something inherently healthy, reasonable and sustainable about opting out of self-indulgence, complacency and pleasure to contemplate the ultimate truths and grow closer to what is important. Perhaps. Getting anyone to give up coffee seems more likely to be a miracle.

But “it’s not about giving stuff up!” I hear you cry. And I check one square off on my Lent Bingo card.