What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. Lent is the season before Holy Week (Easter) used to examine our desires and realign ourselves with God. Many churches will host an Ash Wednesday service on Ash Wednesday.
The first time I experienced an Ash Wednesday service I was on staff at a church that practised it. As far as I remember I never took part in any such service growing up. This was a new experience for me and was a little strange and different. One of the strange elements was the putting on of ashes.
The big symbol of Ash Wednesday is the “Ash”.
At some point in the service people come forward and the leader with ash on their finger makes a cross on the forehead of the individual. As the ash is placed on the forehead the leader says, “Remember that you are ashes, and unto ashes shall you return.”
The ash is a visible reminder of our own mortality and need for repentance. It is a reminder of our sin and the need for a saviour. The making of the cross on the forehead is a reminder that death is not the end. In that moment, we are reminded of the sacrifice and mercy and love that God has given. It is a call to transformation over the Lent season moving away from death in our life to life in Christ.
The Ash Wednesday services are a great way to:
1. Connect with our rich heritage.
2. Contemplate our own sin.
3. Contemplate your own death.
4. Connect and draw close to Jesus through the experience of communion, putting on of ashes, prayers, music and community.
Ash Wednesday can be a great tool in enriching our spiritual journey and in the discipling of others in the way of Jesus.
If the lent season is not part of your journey consider embracing it this year as a way to further deepen your walk with Jesus.
Looking for a resource on beginning with lent? Check out these posts here.
