What is Ash Wednesday?
In the Christian worship calendar, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Christians use Lent as a time of spiritual growth and renewal. It is a season to reconsider our life and our priorities, meditating on our weaknesses, even as we anticipate the coming joy of Easter.
Why ashes?
In the ancient world (when the books of the Bible were written) ashes served as a potent reminder of mortality. “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). “He has thrown me into the mud, and I have become like dust and ashes”" (Job 30:19).
Ashes also signified sorrow and repentance. “Put on sackcloth, my people, and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing” (Jeremiah 6:26).
The late Rachel Held Evans described Ash Wednesday like this: “Once a year, on a Wednesday, we mix ashes with oil. We light candles and confess to one another and to God that we have sinned by what we have done and what we have left undone. We tell the truth. Then we smear the ashes on our foreheads and together acknowledge the single reality upon which every Catholic and Protestant, believer and atheist, scientist and mystic can agree: ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust and to dust you will return.’ It’s the only thing we know for sure: we will die.”
Yet Ash Wednesday is also a day of hope, as we remember that Jesus walks with us in our weaknesses and is working alongside us to bring healing and reconciliation.
How Can I Observe?
Many churches hold Ash Wednesday services in the evening. Visit some local church websites and see what you can find!
For those who can’t make it to a full service, First Christian Church is offering a drive-thru option. Come during your lunch break or after work - you can just pull up by our front doors, or park and walk up. We’ll offer the imposition of ashes and (if you would like) communion and prayer. Depending on the weather, we may be set up outside - stay tuned!
For the imposition of ashes, our minister will make the sign of the cross while stating, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Traditionally, folks get the sign of the cross on their foreheads. However, many people prefer it on their hand instead. It’s up to you!
What About Lent?
People observe Lent in different ways. In some churches, it’s customary to fast from certain foods. Many people have modernized the tradition of fasting during Lent. Instead of fasting from food, they fast from social media, TV, etc. The point is to use this season to grow closer to God.
Here are 5 creative fasting ideas to make this Lent meaningful:
#1 Scripture Before Screens. What’s the first thing many of us do when we wake up? We answer texts, open email, check social media—we start our day by looking at a screen! What if we made a different choice? Before you open any apps on your phone, spend 5 to 15 minutes in God’s word. Pray through a psalm, memorize a verse, or read one of the Lectionary passages for the week. While there’s nothing wrong with using a Bible app, there’s something special about holding a print Bible in your hands.
#2 Replace Impulse Buying with Impulse Giving. If you’re the type who regularly buys things from Amazon or Target “just because,” consider giving up that habit from now until Easter. If you find yourself tempted to buy something impulsively, take the money you would have spent and instead donate to your church, a local nonprofit, or some other worthy cause.
#3 Silent Commute. Exactly what it sounds like—if you usually listen to music or podcasts on the way to and from work, try spending the car ride silently in God’s presence. Whatever rises from your heart in these silent moments, hand it over to God. Allow God’s loving presence to fill you.
#4 New Perspective. Do you have a particular chair at spot where you usually sit to do work, watch TV, etc.? Pick a different one! If you normally do work on the couch, move to the table. If you read in a recliner, grab some pillows and sit on the floor. Shake up old habits and try something new.
#5 Positive Self-Talk. We’re our own worst critics. We criticize ourselves, shame ourselves, and it leaves us feeling down and depressed. Instead, try speaking to yourself the way God speaks about you.
This Lent, let’s fast from what drains us and feast on what fills us!