True confession: Today was the first time in at least 10 years, or maybe 40, that I've attended church on Ash Wednesday...the day of repentance and introspection that marks the beginning of Lent.
(Lent commemorates the 40 days and nights Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness, during which time Satan tempted Him with dominion over all the world if He would just bow to Satan. Wisely, our Lord refused.)
Getting back on track, though, I have to admit I've attended a LOT more Easter and Christmas services than I have Ash Wednesday services.
Churches are always predictably packed to the rafters for Christmas and Easter, overflowing into the parish hall, with TV monitors beaming the service in for latecomers who sit on folding chairs.
Everyone loves the fun, festive, upbeat services that happen on Christmas and Easter, and they should. Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth, Easter celebrates His victory over death by resurrecting Himself after 3 days in the grave.
But Ash Wednesday? The church was maybe 20% full today. And I'll bet that's typical.
We're always up for a good time, a celebration, an uplifting festival. But when it comes time to admit we're sinners and we must repent and look inwards to see how we can become more Christ-like...
Ash Wednesday isn't real popular. And in our self-indulgent, turbulent times...it should be.
For me and for everyone else.
Repent!
Tell God you're sorry you have sinned.
Accept Jesus' sacrifice of His life for your sins.
Ask Jesus to live in your heart forever.
And then you will be SAVED forever!
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