Ash Wednesday

From dust you came. To dust you shall return.

Repent and believe the Gospel.

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, when Christians are encouraged to deepen their repentance and look to Christ who went to the cross to pay for their sins.

During the season of Lent, some Christians choose to give up something...to fast from an aspect of normal life in order to focus on Christ and His work on their behalf.

During some Ash Wednesday services, ministers will mark people's heads with ashes and say, "From dust you came. To dust you shall return. Repent and believe the Gospel."

The words are stark. Almost shocking. Especially in a culture that celebrates life and youth, these words seem excessively harsh.

But how could their soberness actually help us? Could they lead us to focus our faith?

What do you think?

Leave a comment and let us know.