Ash Wednesday is the first day of lent. Its a day where we can prepare our hearts for the next seven weeks until we celebrate Easter. We have a service at church which is very quiet and beautiful and during the service we each receive an ash cross on our forehead. It is a symbol for our need for forgiveness, and for our desire for renewal. Lent is a time of reflection and sacrifice, and in doing so we rededicate our lifes to Christ. This is one of my favorite times of the year during which I feel renewed and purified in Christ.