Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. In the church, Lent is the 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays). It is a time of repentance, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. The ashes remind us that sin always leaves a mark, sin always causes death, but Jesus has come to reverse the curse of sin and death. Tonight, we pause to remember our need for a Savior, and to celebrate God’s gracious gift to us.