Ash Wednesday: Be Reconciled to God
A Time to Turn An excerpt from the Companion to the Book of Common Worship (Geneva Press, 2003, 109-110): The Lenten journey from the ashes of death to resurrected life begins on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, which signifies a time to turn around, to change directions, to repent. This first day of Lent reminds us that unless we are willing to die to our old selves, we cannot be raised to new life with Christ. The first step of
Ash Wednesday
With Ash Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent. Generally, it is considered a time of confession and contrition—acknowledging that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We pledge ourselves anew to live unto God’s Word in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word that remains forever. But Lent is more than that. It is also a time of joy looking forward to celebrating the astounding and guaranteed promise of earthly rescues and everlasting life—resurrection. So this Lent, if you
Ash Wednesday: Mercy and Grace
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. -Daniel 9:9 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? -Romans 2:4 There’s no other place except in God’s character where both perfect justice and perfect mercy are balanced. We can’t try to measure his grace and mercy, or any other part of his personality, by our standards or experience—there is no other example
