Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season.

It is a time we stop, examine ourselves, and reflect on what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross.

It is a time we stop and consider whether we are walking worthy of Christ or whether we need to repent and change how we do certain things, both big and small.

We do this by looking deep within ourselves to see whether there’s anything we need to bring to the Lord in prayer and repentance.

It is my hope that during this season you will take time to reflect on all Christ has done for us and will draw nearer to HIm than you’ve ever been as you remember the mercy He has shown us with His death, burial, and resurrection.

 

You might also like to read my post, What Is Ash Wednesday? or my post on the The Lenten Season.

 

To learn more about the Easter Season, please visit my Easter page, a compilation of previous Easter and Lent posts.

 

 

 

 

What Is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is a holiday in the Christian calendar.

It is always 46 calendar days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent, a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us as we look forward to celebrating Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is observed as a reminder of just how sinful mankind is and our desperate need for Christ and His gift of forgiveness.

 

Many churches have a service on this day,

Often, the pastor, or other officiant, will mark a cross on the forehead of the people in attendance.

This cross is made of oil and the ashes of palm branches.

For some, it is a reminder that God created us from dust and we will someday return there. (Ecclesiastes 3:20)

For others it references the Old Testament, when it was common for people to repent with sack cloth and ashes, and therefore symbolizes repentance and/or mourning.

Whichever way you view it, by receiving the ashes on your forehead you are acknowledging you regret your sins and grieve over your sinfulness.

 

Ash Wednesday is not a requirement for Christians and is not mentioned in the Bible.

Participation in this special time is something that each person must pray about and decide for themselves.

It is important that careful thought is given to why you might want to do it, taking care not to do it for show or because others are doing it.

Instead, it should be done as something between you and the Lord as a sign you realize the gravity of your sinful nature and that you understand and appreciate Christ’s sacrifice.

 

Ash Wednesday services can be very moving.

Whether you choose to take the ashes is your personal decision, but whatever you decide, I encourage you to attend an Ash Wednesday service as we begin this season of reflection.

 

 

You might also like to read my post, Lenten Season 2021.

 

To learn more about the Easter Season, please visit my Easter page, a compilation of previous Easter and Lent posts.

 

 

 

Lenten Season 2021

Today is Ash Wednesday.

It is the first day of the Lenten season, often called Lent.

Lent is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter.

Lent is a time of reflection.. It is meant to remind us that we are by nature sinful and that we need Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary to save us from our sins and to restore our relationship with God.

It is also an opportunity for us to examine ourselves to see whether we are living our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

Some people fast during this time.

There are several reasons they do this.

Many are following the examples throughout Scripture when men have fasted as a way of showing repentance, to seek God’s favor, receive answer to a prayer during a difficult time, or to show they are grieving..

Some fast to show they realize the seriousness of their sin and their appreciation of the Spiritual life Christ offered us when He was crucified.

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