Ashes have been a sign of mourning and repentance since the time of the Old Testament. Covering oneself in sackcloth and ashes was a way to show sorrow over sin. How fitting then that the season of Lent begins with ashes. They are a reminder of our mortality for sooner or later we will all return to the dust. And yet we know the promise of Easter is coming. Teach your students not to shy away from the ashes but to use them as a way to prepare their hearts for Easter as they learn about the meaning of Ash Wednesday.
A Cross of Ashes
My husband enjoys Ash Wednesday. He likes the symbolism of the cross of dust, the somber hymns and the call to repentance. One year he was a little too caught up in the drama of it all and spilled his bowl of ashes leaving a black smudge on the front of his alb. It proved a difficult stain to deal with, and if you get close, you can still see a black mark by the collar. It’s the cross of ashes that will never go away. Though our ash cross will eventually fade, the lesson they teach our hearts should not. The sorrow over sin and knowledge of our own mortality should be part of the daily life of a Christian. Not because we love to bring down the mood or delight in melancholy, but because when we understand the seriousness of sin, the joy of Easter is at its most beautiful.
Lessons on the Meaning of Ash Wednesday
Celebrate everything Ash Wednesday has to offer this year. This mini book explains Ash Wednesday in a way even the smallest students can understand. A flip book is perfect for middle elementary students, and dive deep into the symbolism with your middle schooler using these sketch notes.
If you are looking for more ready-to-use resources for your students, check them out in my store.
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