This morning we had a special chapel in observance to this day in the church calendar, Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday may have become the better known so-called holidays of this season but Ash Wednesday is day to which they point. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season that ends in Good Friday and Easter which is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who is both God and man. Lent is sometimes observed by giving up a favorite item or practice or food to mark the season. So in order to “live it up” beforehand people began having huge festivals of indulgence.
Today during the service students received a sign of the cross on their foreheads made with ashes from palm branches and olive oil. Please see my article below on the “recipe for ashes“ for more information The students did very well being respectful and observant.
One preschooler shared after the service while pointing at her cross and smiling, “God died for my sins.” That says volumes to the message they heard and experienced today.
Thanks to Dave Wittig who helped capture this day in pictures.
