Running to and fro this afternoon, in one enterprise or another, I could not help but notice the beauty of the day. It is neither too hot nor too cold. There was the faintest breeze, just enough to move the air without being blustery. The sun shone bright against a brilliant blue sky, with just … Continue reading Foretaste of Spring
I’m not sure if there’s a more magical way for children to awaken than to a cityscape buried under six inches of snow. This morning Gaelynn, Israel, and Sophia let loose a torrent of squeals and laughter when I hurled back the curtain in their bedroom to reveal the Winter Wonderland that was outside. Gaelynn … Continue reading …like lambent lightning on snowy clouds…
For the majority of Christians in the West, the observance of Ash Wednesday is the first day of what is termed the Season of Lent, which occurs six-and-forty days before Easter.
A “moveable feast” Ash Wednesday can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10 and was so named because of the practice of drawing a cross upon the forehead of followers as a sign of repentance.
Typically, a minister or priest will quote the book of Genesis as the ashes are applied to the individual’s forehead, saying: “Remember, O man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)
This verse hearkens one’s thoughts back to the fall of humanity, whereupon the transgression of God’s first laws by Adam and Eve resulted in mankind being cast out of Eden. The curse of which followers of Jesus Christ believe was lifted by the atoning work of His death by Roman crucifixion.
Another parallel drawn can be found in the prophecy of Ezekiel. The Scriptures describe a vision the prophet saw, where a “man clothed in linen” placed a “mark” upon those that felt sorrow for the evil that surrounded them.
The ones who felt this sorrow and received the mark were spared, while those that did not perished.
A Place To Stand 