Sacred Seasons & Celebrations; Ash Wednesday

Growing up in Greensboro, February and March were outlined by the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and surprise late-winter cold snaps. Easter sprang upon us with chocolate and pastel egg hunts, but without much warning. The cultural bustle drowned out any usefulness and significance of Ash Wednesday.

It hasn’t always been this way. Historically, a Christian’s calendar took a "gospel shape," with seasons intended to draw our attention to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Today, we have largely lost that rhythm. My goal isn't to shame us for a loss, but to invite us to reclaim and respond.

What is Worth Keeping?
Lent is the 40-day season leading to Easter where we identify with Christ’s journey to the cross. Ash Wednesday is the starting block. It is where we stand to begin a journey that ends with our church family shouting "Hallelujah!" at the empty tomb on Resurrection Sunday.

While Jesus knew the victory the Father had in store, he was fully aware of the journey ahead. The scripture describes Christ’s attitude about his crossward journey:

• “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51
• “… who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,” Hebrews 12:2
• “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7

Setting Our Face Toward the Cross
How do we prepare our hearts for the reality of the Resurrection? While we can seek God anytime, Lent provides a defined timeframe to be intentional, and Ash Wednesday is a starting block. In Matthew 16:24, Christ said:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Three Ideas for the Journey
To make yourself available to God’s shaping this season, consider these:

• FAST: This is the traditional Lent activity. You might fast from food for one meal a week or a full 24 hours (sundown to sundown). For those unable to fast from food, consider eliminating one weekly activity to devote time for prayer.
• PRAY: Devote specific time to pray for your faith, a lost friend, or global missions. Grab a friend or your small group to join you. 
• SERVE: We identify with the Son of Man who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." God connects our fasting to the needs of others in Isaiah: 

Don’t let another season pass by without leaning in. Together, let’s set our faces toward the cross.