By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and also marks the beginning of Lent. This is forty days before Easter, not counting Sundays.
How do we observe Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is named because of the ancient practice of placing ashes
on the forehead as a sign of humility before God. This is also a symbol
of mourning the death of Jesus...the consequences of our sin.
What are the ashes made of?
The ashes can be the blessed palm branches that were used the previous year. Mixed with a little incense or oil, they will stick to the forehead.
How did the ashes come about?
Back in Biblical times, ashes were a sign of mourning. Given that cooking and heating needed a fire, the housekeeping to keep up the ashes were significant. If someone was preoccupied (such as a death) taking care of the ashes weren't top priority. Therefore, if people were to stop by, they would have see the ashes on their face. It became a sign of mourning.
You can see signs of mourning in the Bible in 2 Samuel 13:19, Ester 4:1, and Job 42:6.
We'll see you at the Ash Wednesday service tonight at 6:30!
