One Parson's Opinion

February, it is the month of Valentine's Day and Presidents' Birthdays. But it is also the month of Epiphany when we remember that Jesus is God, revealed to us in the miraculous works of his life and also the beginning of Lent when we remember that he suffered and died for us on the cross. He is both God and Man! February is a time of joy that God became a man and dwelt among men. But it is also a time of sorrow, when he came to his own, but his own received him not.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17 this year. We mark that day with a communion service at noon and at 7:30 p.m. A noon and 7:30 service will be held on each Wednesday during lent.

Our theme for this Lenten Season will be "We Preach Christ Crucified." Paul told the Corinthians, "We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (I Cor. 1: 24-25) As we meditate on our Savior's suffering, death, and resurrection, may we grow in God's grace and love given to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. "No one comes to the Father, but through Him!"

May the somber season of Lent, reminding us of Christ's suffering and death, prepare you for a joyful celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead on Easter morning! As Paul told the Romans, "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Christ died for us, so that we might live with Him forever. To God be the Glory! Amen.