Lent Looms Before Us

I am preparing for this Sunday and facing the reality that on Wednesday we have our Ash Wednesday service at the church along with a pot-luck sandwich supper. It is hard to believe that we have moved from Christmas into the preparation for Resurrection and Spring. This winter has not been bad enough to create in us a longing for spring, but we will look forward to the greening of the lawns, the budding of flowers, the foliage on the trees, and warmer weather. Lent is a time of preparation for the greatest event in history: the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time to remember how much God hates our sin and was prepared to sacrifice his only Son to justify us and impute to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ so that we will be saved from the punishment of sin and be guaranteed a place in heaven. I hope that if you do not know the wonderful peace that God gives to his children that you will stop and consider the deep, deep love of God, the wonderful work of Jesus Christ, and be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart. If you will bow the knee in humble acceptance of God's judgment on your sin, repent of your sinful life, and accept the work of Jesus Christ on your behalf, God will give you the joy of becoming his child and the assurance of eternal life in God's presence.