Ash Wednesday marks the first day in the 40 day season of Lent. During this time we reflect on the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a time of self-examination, repentance & renewal, and a time of growth in faith and grace. The imposition of ashes – when you receive ashes in the sign of the cross on your forehead – sets the tone for Lent. It symbolizes our knowledge of our sin and our repentance. As the words, “From dust thou art. To dust thou shalt return.” are intoned, we are reminded that the wages of sin is, indeed, death. This reality points us to Christ Crucified and to His resurrection where death is defeated. Throughout the day, each time you see your reflection, your ashes are a striking reminder of death defeated – through the sacrifice of Jesus! It is a powerful reminder of the hope we have through Christ.
This morning Pastor Martin visited children & teachers in classrooms with infants through 2 year olds to share the opportunity to participate in the imposition of ashes. Students from 3 years to 8th grade, along with faculty, staff, parents and church members, attended Ash Wednesday Chapel in the Sanctuary and received ashes either on their foreheads or hands. Pastor Martin even met with a member in his office for a “drive through” imposition of ashes for someone who wanted the reminder with her throughout the day but wasn’t going to be able to attend the noon service. Later in the afternoon, at 12:10pm, was our lunch hour worship service where members and visitors gathered for a message from Luke 4:38-44. We gather again at 7pm, so please join us if you weren’t able to be here at noon. The music also helped to set the tone with hymns like; “Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain” and “Chief of Sinners Chief of sinners though I Be.”
Come to Calv’ry’s holy mountain,
Sinners, ruined by the fall;
Here a pure and healing fountain
Flows for you, for me, for all,
In a full, perpetual tide,
Opened when our Savior died.
Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high,
Lived that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am His and He is mine.
During the course of the day, one of our VPK classes trekked across campus to share their own special message of love and hope with our ministry and support staff in the Magnolia building (since Valentines is coming up soon too). Going from office to office, they reminded each of our team members that Jesus loves us and so do they! As I said goodbye to one of the children he said “I gave you my heart!” It was very sweet.
While this season is a solemn time of remembrance, it is also a time for joy and rejoicing, because we are saved through the death and resurrection of our Lord. In our ongoing Wednesday Lenten series at 12:10 and 7:00pm, we’ll be learning about “How to Overcome the Evil One” in everyday living. On Sundays during Lent we’ll be looking at how the Lord helps deal with Anger, Tough Times, Fear, and Mental Illness. HELP IS ON THE WAY…BECAUSE OF JESUS!
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