The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins. The cards are then brought to the altar to be burned with the palm branches. Sometimes a small card or piece of paper is distributed on which each person writes a sin or hurtful or unjust characteristic. It is traditional to save the palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday service to burn to produce ashes for this service. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. The service focuses on both themes, helping us to realize that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.ĭuring some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.Īsh Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. Unfortunately, this rich symbol disappeared in the life of the Lutheran Church for some time because of the thinking that it was 'too Catholic. What Do Methodists Believe About Ash Wednesday?Īsh Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.
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