Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. On this day, you may see people on the street or at work with ash smudges on their foreheads. Then it dawns on you that this is Ash Wednesday and that these people are confessing their faith. We do well to let the general public know about our commitment to Jesus Christ. The ashes remind us of a truth encompassing us all: that we are dust and ashes and to dust we shall return. This is all because of our total and complete sinfulness.

Sackcloth and ashes in Old Testament times were outward signs of sorrow over sin. Similarly, Ash Wednesday worshipers who daub their foreheads with ashes "the ashes of last year’s palms" indicate mourning over their sins. Sin made it necessary for Jesus Christ to suffer and die. There is no other way of forgiveness and salvation. Not by anything we do or do not do - only because of what Jesus Christ DID.

Not all Christians observe Ash Wednesday with outward signs of remorse. Nevertheless, in their hearts they grieve over their sins.

"It is my sins for which You, Lord, must languish." With this confession on their lips, Christians go to their house of God this day and, as is mostly the case, partake of Holy Communion in accordance with their Doctrine. Thus the truth is brought home to them: Christ’s body was broken and His blood shed for the remission of sins.