Millions of Christians observe Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, while
others barely know what it's about. I thought it might be helpful to give a
brief description for those that don't understand the purpose of these
observances and offer a craft idea for use in your classrooms.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent* (Lent is the 40 day period before
Easter Sunday, excluding Sundays and a few minor variations in the church
calendar). On Ash Wednesday ashes are placed onto the foreheads of the faithful
in the sign of the cross to remind them of Christ's death, of the sorrow one
should feel for his or her sins, and of the necessity of
repenting, which is turning from sin and turning to God. The ashes are
obtained from burned palm branches from the Palm Sunday of the previous
year.
Many believe the practice of placing ashes onto the forehead began in 1091
A.D. by the Roman Catholic church. However, the custom of placing ashes onto
the head as a sign of repentance dates back to Old Testament times:
"So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and
petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my
God and confessed: 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his
covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned
and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away
from your commands and laws.'"
Daniel 9:3-5. (See also, Esther 4:1-3, Job 2:8; 4:2-6, and Isaiah 58:5)
* Why are there 40 days of Lent?
In the 40 days of Lent believers unite themselves to Jesus in the
desert. "For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with
our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet
without sinning." Hebrews 4:15.
Lent is a special time of reflecting in prayer and fasting upon
the importance of our redemption and salvation made possible through Christ's
suffering on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. Many people give up
something they enjoy doing or eating during Lent as a constant reminder of how
Jesus gave up his life for theirs.
Ash Wednesday Craft: If possible burn dried palm crosses from the previous
year. See the Palm Cross craft at: Palm Cross or
make palm crosses using green construction paper. If children are too young to
make their own crosses, have some prepared before class.
Have children write sins they are guilty of doing on their crosses. If
children are too young to write, have them draw on the cross. Take crosses outside and place in fire pit or barbeque
grill. Have an adult burn the crosses then stir to cool ashes (make sure
children do not get near the fire). While the
ashes are burning, then cooling, spend time praying and thanking Jesus for
dying to forgive our sins and sing songs of praise. Once the ashes are cooled,
collect them and allow children to use the ashes to draw crosses on paper or
onto their foreheads.
Copyright 2005 Sarah A. Keith
sakeith@SundaySchoolNetwork.com
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