Got Ashes? We Do?
There are so many reasons why I love this photo. I am listing two. These girlies have been buddies for a long time. Lindy, always loving on the precious little ones, taking time to give hugs and smiling for pics. The sweet Grand Girl who received her first ashes along with her church family attending the Ash Wednesday service several years ago.
So, if you would like to have an intentional conversation with your child before ashes are imposed onto their foreheads and they are left wondering when their bodies will suddenly be turning into a pile of dust, here are some thoughts on how to communicate with children what Ash Wednesday is all about.
Here are some ideas to bring the season of Lent into our homes:
Make a "Pack" to pray as a family each day. P> Praise God for all the blessings that are given. Give God all the Praise and Glory for his awesomeness. His mercies are new every morning.
Use a visual to count down the days until Easter. Color in each shape or add a sticker to mark the passage of days. Click on the graphic to print.
Pretzels provide a welcome activity during Lent, while teaching a bit of Christian history, baking and scripture.
Click on the link for my Easter/Lent Pinterest board for more celebration ideas. Lent/Easter Pinterest Board
There are so many reasons why I love this photo. I am listing two. These girlies have been buddies for a long time. Lindy, always loving on the precious little ones, taking time to give hugs and smiling for pics. The sweet Grand Girl who received her first ashes along with her church family attending the Ash Wednesday service several years ago.
So, if you would like to have an intentional conversation with your child before ashes are imposed onto their foreheads and they are left wondering when their bodies will suddenly be turning into a pile of dust, here are some thoughts on how to communicate with children what Ash Wednesday is all about.
First, let us be reminded that Liturgical churches such as Lutherans, Methodists , Presbyterians and Catholics celebrate the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent, 40 days to remember Jesus' sacrifice and to prepare us for the Easter season. This tradition was carried on by the early church and remains an important tradition today. The ashes remind the wearer of the need to repent and confess in order to be turned to God.
What Kiddos Need To Know:
What Kiddos Need To Know:
Ashes are used to remind us of 3 things.
1.Our sinfulness before God.
2. Our mortality. Nobody lives forever.
3. Because of the cross of Christ, we will have the gift of eternal life.
On Ash Wednesday, a pastor may put ashes on your forehead. The ashes make us think of death. We are part of this world, and someday we will die. God created man from the dust of the earth and one day all men will return to the dust of the earth
But look, the ashes are being made into a cross, reminding us that Jesus is more powerful than the ashes of death. He beat death
when he died on the cross and came back to life.
When we have faith in Jesus and we believe in him in our hearts and confess with our mouths that he is Lord, we are given the gift of living in his kingdom.
Ashes mean death, but the cross means life!
On Ash Wednesday , we are reminded of hope. We are given the cross as a reminder that Jesus's victory can become our own and our lives do not have to end when our bodies turn to dust again.
I encourage you to come and bring your children to this special occasion, coming to the Lord's table during Holy Communion marked with the cross of Christ. All are welcome. We all are in need of salvation.
Create in me a clean heart , O God and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51: 10
I encourage you to come and bring your children to this special occasion, coming to the Lord's table during Holy Communion marked with the cross of Christ. All are welcome. We all are in need of salvation.
Create in me a clean heart , O God and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51: 10
Here are some ideas to bring the season of Lent into our homes:
Make a "Pack" to pray as a family each day. P> Praise God for all the blessings that are given. Give God all the Praise and Glory for his awesomeness. His mercies are new every morning.
A > Ask God for help, for things both spiritually and physically. Prayer is the armor we wear to protect our mind heart and soul from evil. Give prayer request on behalf of other people.
C > Confess We are are sinners in need of forgiveness, simply say, " forgive me Lord of all of my sins."
T > Thank Give thanks in all things...the good and the not so good. Develop a heart of gratitude.
Use a visual to count down the days until Easter. Color in each shape or add a sticker to mark the passage of days. Click on the graphic to print.
Pretzels provide a welcome activity during Lent, while teaching a bit of Christian history, baking and scripture. 
Click on the link for my Easter/Lent Pinterest board for more celebration ideas. Lent/Easter Pinterest Board
Belinda Bost
Children's Minister
Concordia Lutheran Church, LCMS
Conover, NC 28613
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