Ash Wednesday Prepares Us for Becoming the Light

Friends,

Consider how far we’ve traveled together since Advent; from anticipating the birth of Christ’s Light, all the way to our seeking to embrace that Light during the weeks of Epiphany. It’s been a fast paced journey – one that’s offered a clear call to be the people of God’s intention in our corner of the Kingdom. This coming Sunday, our journey takes a dramatic turn, remembering the Transfiguration of our Lord. That bright shining event marks the moment when the One who calls us to be the Light of the world sets his face toward Jerusalem, where he gives his Life for the sake of us all. It also marks a change in our walk, shifting from Embracing the Light during Epiphany, to Becoming the Light in the season of Lent.

The season of Lent begins with the ancient Holy day known as Ash Wednesday. That day, marked by a special evening service, invites us to move our faith from preparing for the Light, claiming the Light, and embracing the Light, to walking with Christ so closely that we become the Light – the very Light of the world Jesus calls us to be. During the forty days and six Sundays of Lent, you and I will work together to become the Light of Christ’s Love in the world in which we live. We will examine ourselves, individually and as a church family, looking for those habits, behaviors and attitudes that have interfered with our shining the Light of Christ from within ourselves. We’ll spend time looking and learning from Jesus, as he walks to Jerusalem to do what only he could do – redeem us all. And, on Easter morning, we’ll watch closely for that moment when we feel him empower us and the whole of humanity to take on his mantle and truly become the Light of the world.

I invite you to start the Lenten journey with Christ and your church family on Ash Wednesday, February 22, at 7 p.m. in person or online. Together, empowered by the One who calls us “the Light of the World,” we’ll walk the road to Jerusalem, becoming the Light each step of the way.

Remember, no single one of us can be the Christ Light alone, but, empowered by God’s endless Love, we collectively Become the Light for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Come, let us walk together with our Lord.

Pastor Steven