Some thoughts on Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent, the time in the church year that focuses on human preparation for Holy Week and Easter. This preparation called the “Lenten Fast” could include prayer, repentance, donations, self-denial (giving something up for Lent).
Ash Wednesday is the first of forty days (you do not count Sunday in days of the season), the forty days reminding Christians of the number of days which Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness after his Baptism but before he began his earthly ministry. We do not count Sundays because every Sunday is a little Easter of celebration. The ashes of this first day of Lent represent mourning and repentance, setting a tone for the days that follow.

In past Lenten tradition, the somberness of the season meant that many Christians did not attend parties or family celebrations, including a virtual halt to weddings. Nowadays, we may attend celebrations, weddings are seldom delayed by planning couples, and, though prayer and repentance are encouraged by Lenten services, few follow a “Lenten Fast.” Today is a good time to review personal thoughts and inclinations, perhaps even take up some aspect of Lenten observation after a time of reflection and prayer.

This year at First United Lutheran Church, we will join with two other area Lutheran congregations for an Ash Wednesday service at 7:30pm, held here at First United. Choir members of First United will join with some from Bethany Church and Central Church in special music. The three pastors of these congregations will share leadership of the service.

Come on over tonight (February 22) to begin a Lenten journey!

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