Ash Wednesday

Tomorrow evening from 6:30 - 7:30 our church family will gather for our Ash Wednesday service.  You may wonder about the meaning of Ash Wednesday and/or why we are offering such a service.  The answer is 46. 

Ash Wednesday occurs 46 days before Easter.  Subtracting Sundays from that number gives a count of 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. 

Forty, commonly found in Scripture, here represents the 40 days of fasting that Jesus practiced in the wilderness.  He prepared Himself for His purpose. 

On Easter, followers of Christ celebrate a great victory - the great victory of Christ.  The victory over sin.  Jesus gave His life for your sin and my sin; He rose from the grave; we celebrate.

Yet.  Is it wise to celebrate without knowing, really knowing, the reason for which we celebrate?  We need a reminder.  Ash Wednesday serves as that reminder.

Mark, in his gospel, records John the Baptist's famous phrase, "Repent, and believe the good news!"

Ash Wednesday reminds us to repent.  God calls us to confess our sins, which He is faithful in forgiving.  We confess and acknowledge the grace of God in forgiving us.

Join me on Ash Wednesday in confessing sins to God and thanking Him for His forgiveness.

#ordinarylives