Ash Wednesday is a Christian religious day that marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter.
On Ash Wednesday, many Christians attend church services where ashes are placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.
The ashes are usually made from burned palm branches that were used during Palm Sunday the year before.
The ashes are a reminder that life is temporary and that people should take time to reflect, repent, and focus on their faith.
A common phrase spoken during the service is, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Pastor Ben Beres, of Huntsville Presbyterian, joined news director April King for a sit-down conversation about the holy day:
The tradition of using ashes goes back hundreds of years.
In early Christian history, ashes were used as a public sign of sorrow for wrongdoing and a desire to change.
Over time, the practice became a way for all believers to begin Lent with humility and reflection.
Lent lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays.
The number 40 comes from the Bible and represents important periods of testing and preparation, including the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.
During Lent, many Christians choose to give something up, such as certain foods or habits, while others choose to do something extra, like volunteering, praying more, or helping people in need.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most widely observed religious days of the year and is often seen as a time to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the Easter season.
Several churches in the area are hosting services on Wednesday evening, including:
Cornerstone Church at Huntsville: 6:00 PM
Indian Lake Community Church in Russells Point: 7:00 PM
Roudhead United Methodist Church: 7:00 PM
Bellefontaine First Christian Church: 7:00 PM
Huntsville Presbyterian Church: 7:00 PM
Lewistown Trinity Church: 7:00 PM
Urbana United Methodist Church: 6-7 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Urbana: 6:30 pm
