Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, the 40 days (excluding Sundays) that lead up to Easter. The Old Testament records acts of repentance or mourning accompanied by symbolic ash and sackcloth. Recall stories of David, Esther, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel.
Why do we put ashes on our foreheads?
Ashes are a biblical reminder of our mortality: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). The spreading of ashes on foreheads is a visible reminder of this. The ashes also represent sorrow and repentance for sin.
Lent is often thought of as a time to “give up” something, for example chocolate, but we sometimes forget that the intention of the fast is for repentance, remembrance, and reflection on the cross of Jesus Christ. We give up something in the flesh so that we might gain something in the spirit.
Pick up your Lent 2022 devotional and guide at church,
or download a copy from our website.
Each week of Lent we'll draw closer to Easter.
Each week will shed light on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Why did Jesus have to die?
How is his death essential for salvation?
What difference does the resurrection make in our lives and in our world?
