Why Your Kids Should Attend Ash Wednesday Services

For many in Western Christianity, this Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is traditionally a day of fasting that follows a time of revelry in some cultures (cue the Mardi Gras celebration, Fat Tuesday, and all-you-can-eat-pancakes). More specifically, it is a day of repentance beginning the season of preparation that builds up to Easter Sunday.  One of the most recognizable symbols of the day is the imparting of ashes, typically in the shape of a cross, on a person's forehead as a sign of repentance. This is done to remind worshipers of their mortality and that as humans, we all are "made from dust, and to dust we will return" (Gen. 3:19).
Doesn't sound like the easiest of concepts to share with a child, does it? Ash Wednesday and Lent pose some difficult challenges for parents and others who work with children in conveying its meaning and importance. However, despite these challenges, your child's participation in Lenten activities and Ash Wednesday specifically, can provide meaningful contributions to a young person's spiritual formation.

1) Children See They Are A Part of The Family - Many of our worship services and church programs do not consistently take intentional steps to include the learning styles and age-appropriateness of children into their planning. Yet, by participating in worship, children get to watch as faithful participation is modeled for them by the adults that care about them. Over time, they grow to see themselves as active participants in that group. Ash Wednesday provides a special opportunity for a child's faith development because it offers a tangible representation that the children in our midst are on level ground with those adults with whom they share a worship space.
Following the imparting of ashes during a service, children get to look around and see all of the people they know and who care about them bearing the same mark which adorns their own foreheads. They get to see with that they are just like everyone else in the room, that they too, are a vital part of the family of God. Similarly, for the more seasoned community members in the room, seeing even the youngest child with ashes on their head is a reminder that they too are an equal part of the faith community, and that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure their continued incorporation into the life of the church.
2) Jesus Was Human Just Like Me - Often in Ash Wednesday services, the liturgy reminds us of our mortality, of our humanness. As the beginning of the season leading up to Easter, where Jesus experienced a mortal death, Ash Wednesday affords the opportunity to convey the concept that Jesus was a human being just like the child in your care. This point will hopefully be conveyed during the service, but parents and caregivers can share this important truth that Jesus was human just like we are. Jesus knows what it is like to feel sad, or mad, or even what it is like to fall and scrape your knee. Because of this, Jesus has a careful understanding of what we experience in life. A vital learning for a young Christ follower to grasp.
3) Everyone Makes Mistakes - The ashes on the forehead serve as an acknowledgement that the person bearing the mark is not perfect, but is susceptible to making mistakes. What a wonderful lesson for children to see. That not only are they an equal part of the spiritual family, but that everyone in the family makes mistakes too! Not only does everyone make mistakes, but they are still welcomed in this place! This is a powerful lesson for children to learn at a young age! It shows that the Church is a place of love, acceptance, grace, and mercy, but also a place where we can be honest about what we are facing in life. It demonstrates that we don't have to hide what is troubling us, but we can openly share it knowing we will be affirmed and encouraged!

One day during Jesus' ministry, some parents had brought their kids to see Jesus, but his disciples attempted to bar them from reaching him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he spoke up, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it" (Mark 10:14-16). This Ash Wednesday, let us not shy away from letting our children experience Jesus in a different, albeit challenging way, but instead let us embrace the opportunity which Ash Wednesday affords. Allow this somber but hopeful day to remind us all that we we share a special bond within the family of God. One where all are welcome and loved for who we are... dirt and all.