“Marked with the Cross of Christ!”
This past Sunday we celebrated a Baptism at our 8:30 a.m. Worship Service. We heard these words as the forehead of the child was marked with the anointing oil and the sign of the cross was made: “Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
On Ash Wednesday, February 6th, at our 6:45 p.m. Worship Service, God’s children of all ages will be marked with the Cross of Christ in the imposition of ashes. The ash cross we will wear is a way of saying, “I am sorry for my sins, and I know I need to be forgiven.” When we look in the mirror, it is a reminder that sin does make a “dirty mark” in our lives and in this world. That’s why Jesus taught us to pray: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
In the Cross of Christ we experience the power of God’s forgiveness. From that cross, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them!” The ashes also remind us that we are mortal. Death is an ever present reality. So, as you are marked with the ashes, you will hear these words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)
Although Ash Wednesday seems like a somber, serious day, it is also a hopeful day, because the cross reminds us that God loves and forgives us. Each day is a chance to start over. Nothing, not even sin or death itself can ever separate us from God’s abiding love which is ours through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! “Thanks be to God!”
† † 6 Wednesdays in Lent
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† Pastor Lynnae and I invite you to join us during the six
† Wednesday evenings in Lent, February 6th through March
† 12th, for a special time of food, fellowship, and worship: †
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† 5:45 p.m. — A Meal in the Activity Center
† 6:45 p.m. — Worship in the Sancturary
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— Pastor David Fetter
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