Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the solemn start of Lent, when many of us walked around with a smudge on our foreheads, marking a season of reflection and renewal. But have you ever wondered where these traditions began?

Ash Wednesday itself dates back to at least the 10th century, though the use of ashes as a sign of repentance goes all the way back to the Old Testament. The practice of applying ashes to foreheads, as we do today, became common in the 12th century. Even Martin Luther, though not one for excess ritual, approved of Ash Wednesday, which is why many Protestant churches, including Lutherans, observe it today.

Lent itself has been around since the early centuries of Christianity. The idea of giving something up—whether chocolate, coffee, or social media—comes from early Christians fasting to prepare for Easter. And speaking of fasting, why no meat on Fridays? That tradition dates back at least to the 2nd century when abstaining from rich foods was seen as a form of spiritual discipline. Fish, being a simple and humble food, was allowed as an alternative.

Ever wonder why Lent is 40 days long? It mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, which we’ll hear about this Sunday in Luke 4:1-13. But if you count from Ash Wednesday to Easter, you’ll notice there are more than 40 days. That’s because Sundays don’t count! Sundays are always “mini-Easters,” days of celebration rather than fasting.

And here’s a fun little quirk in the church calendar: This coming Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent, but during Advent, it was the First Sunday of Advent. Why the difference?

During Advent, each Sunday is fully part of the season, contributing to the anticipation of Christ’s birth. Since Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, every Sunday belongs to it—hence, First Sunday of Advent.

During Lent, however, Sundays are not included in the 40 days of fasting. Because Sundays are always considered “mini-Easters,” days of worship and joy, they are not part of the Lenten fast. Instead, they simply occur in the season of Lent—hence, First Sunday in Lent.

This Sunday, March 9, is not only the First Sunday in Lent but also the first day of daylight savings time—so don’t forget to set your clocks ahead! More importantly, I invite you to join us for worship at 9:30 AM, where we’ll celebrate both the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Just as Jesus began His ministry after His baptism, so too can we embrace this season as a time of renewal and growth.

See you Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Marc