ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

The season of Lent is a period of 40 days (not including Sundays), which begins on Ash Wednesday and takes us right through to Easter Sunday.  It is arguably the most important season in the Christian calendar, as it places an even greater emphasis on spiritual disciplines, whilst heightening our awareness of our need for Jesus.  Lent is an opportunity to realign our hearts, minds and lives with the ‘way’ that Jesus calls us to.

The Ash Wednesday service highlights the fact that sin leads to death.  It is a time of penitence (sorrow for our sins) and turning to Christ as the only way to salvation.  We will receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads in ash and hear the words:

Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.

Repent and believe the gospel.

This is a stark reminder of our mortality, but also a recognition that forgiveness and everlasting life come through repentance and faith in Christ.  Ultimately, Ash Wednesday and Lent point us forward to the hope of resurrection life with Jesus.

Ash Wednesday is one of the most important services of the year, but it can be especially powerful if you’ve drifted away from the church and are feeling far from God.