Ash Wednesday: The Beginning of Lent

February 25, 2025

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the period in the church calendar called Lent, a season that is observed by many Christians around the world. For those who observe Ash Wednesday, the day serves as a solemn reminder of human mortality, sin, and the need for repentance. Over the next few weeks this blog space will provide reflections on various parables to prepare our hearts for the upcoming Easter celebration. So, what is the history of Ash Wednesday and Lent? 

The observance of Ash Wednesday dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. While it has not been regarded as a sacrament in any church, it is rooted in the biblical tradition of using ashes as a sign of mourning, repentance, and humility before God. In the Old Testament, people would wear sackcloth and sprinkle ashes on their heads to express sorrow for their sins (e.g., Job 42:6, Jonah 3:6). By the 8th century, the practice of marking believers with ashes on the first day of Lent became common in Western Christianity.

For many Christians, Ash Wednesday is observed with a special church service that includes the imposition of ashes. The ashes, often made by burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, are mixed with oil or water and applied to the foreheads of worshippers in the shape of a cross. As this is done, the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) or “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15) are spoken.

The ashes symbolize repentance and mortality, reminding believers of their dependence on God’s grace. The act of receiving ashes is a public declaration of one’s faith and commitment to spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to reaffirm our baptism and testify to God’s electing love. While the ashes are an outward sign, the true meaning lies in the inward reflection and repentance that accompany the observance. It is not an act that is done superficially.

Lent itself originated as a period of preparation for Easter. In the early church, new converts would undergo a time of fasting, prayer, and instruction before being baptized on Easter Sunday. Over time, this period was extended to 40 days to reflect Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). The number 40 also holds biblical significance, representing times of testing and transformation, such as Israel’s 40 years in the desert.

Many Christians observe Lent by giving up something meaningful, such as certain foods, social media, or other habits, as a way to focus on God. Others take on spiritual disciplines such as daily Bible reading, additional prayer, or acts of charity. The goal is not simply self-denial but to deepen one’s relationship with God and prepare the heart for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

So, how should I observe Ash Wednesday and Lent? Many protestant churches, including many Reformed and Presbyterian churches, have not historically placed a lot of emphasis on Ash Wednesday and Lent because of the “regulative principle of worship”–the belief that the only things allowed in public worship are those things explicitly described in Scripture. Yet, if you do not belong to a church fellowship that formally observes Ash Wednesday, you are at liberty to attend an Ash Wednesday service or you may want to reflect personally on developing a deeper spiritual sense of your own sin and prepare yourself for the Lenten season. Consider the following as possible spiritually meaningful ways to observe the day, and the season, and reflect on its significance:

1. Personal Prayer and Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God for forgiveness and guidance. Reflect on areas in your life that need renewal and surrender them to God. Consider using the blog posts that will be coming out over the next few weeks.
2. Scripture Reading: Read passages that emphasize repentance, humility, and God’s mercy, such as Psalm 51, Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, or 1 Cor 6:19,20.
3. Fasting: Consider fasting from a meal or an activity as a reminder to rely on God and focus on spiritual matters.
4. Acts of Service: Use the season to serve others—whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or volunteering.
5. Creating a Personal Symbol: If you feel led, you can create your own reminder, such as drawing a cross on paper or using soil to mark your hand, as a way to reflect on your mortality and need for grace.

Ash Wednesday and Lent provide an opportunity for all believers to turn their hearts toward God, reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice and preparing spiritually for Easter. Whether through attending a church service, engaging in personal reflection, or practicing spiritual disciplines, this season invites us all to seek renewal and draw closer to God.

---