Why Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of repentance, reflection, and preparation for Easter. It is a solemn day in the Christian calendar, observed with the imposition of ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross, accompanied by the words:

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)
“Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

The Meaning of Ash Wednesday

  1. A Reminder of Our Mortality
    The ashes symbolize our human frailty and the reality that life on earth is temporary. They remind us that we came from dust and will one day return to it (Ecclesiastes 3:20). This calls us to live with humility, recognizing that our ultimate hope is not in this world but in God’s eternal promises given us in Christ Jesus.

  2. A Call to Repentance
    Ash Wednesday invites us to examine our hearts, acknowledge our sins, and turn back to God. Lent is a season of spiritual renewal, and this day sets the tone by calling us to confession and dependence on God's mercy (Psalm 51:10, Joel 2:12-13).

  3. A Sign of Christ’s Redemption
    The ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross—a powerful reminder that while we are dust, we are also redeemed through Jesus Christ. The cross points us to Good Friday, where Jesus bore our sins, and to Easter, where He triumphed over death.

  4. An Invitation to Spiritual Discipline
    Traditionally, Christians observe Lent through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These practices are meant to draw us closer to God by stripping away distractions and cultivating a heart that seeks Him above all else (Matthew 6:1-18).

The Hope Within Ash Wednesday

While Ash Wednesday is a day of somber reflection, it is not without hope. The ashes are not just a sign of death but of renewal. Just as ashes were used in the Bible as a sign of repentance, they also symbolize the refining work of God, who brings beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

Ultimately, Ash Wednesday reminds us that though we are dust, we are beloved dust—created, redeemed, and sustained by God’s grace. It is an invitation to turn away from sin and toward the abundant life found in Christ.

You are invited to prepare for our Ash Wednesday service by fasting for part (or all) of the day and spending time in prayer before the Lord asking Him to open your heart to His work in your life this Lenten season.

Pastor Matthew+

Our Ash Wednesday service will be held at 6:30PM on March 5th, 2025.