Some churches start their Ash Wednesday with obscure dirge-like hymns, and I think it’s a big turn-off to people. Practically, for a mid-week service, when many people are coming directly from long days at home or at the office, I want to start off the service with something they can immediately sing and connect with. I intentionally chose songs that put the focus not on me and what I’m doing and how I’m discipling myself (which is too often the tragic focus of Lent) but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and his power to rescue and save from sin (which can lead to a Jesus-centered focus during Lent). I thought it might be helpful for me to share the songs I picked for our evening Ash Wednesday service.
This Wednesday begins the season of Lent – the season of the Church year when we prepare for Easter.
