Ash Wednesday

Today, February 22, is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday is always observed 46 days before Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of a period of prayer and fasting many Christians observe in remembrance of Christ’s 40-day fast in the desert before the start of his public ministry. 

The term “Ash Wednesday” is derived from a practice by some worshippers who place ashes on their foreheads on this day each year as a sign of remembrance and repentance. Traditionally the ashes are gathered from burned palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

The observance of Lent is practiced across many denominations and often worshippers choose to give up something they normally depend on in lieu of a complete fast. However you choose to observe this season, we encourage you to remember Christ’s life, death and resurrection in a way that is significant to you and reminds you every day of the incredible example and sacrifice Christ was for us.