Ash Wednesday/Lent 2015 Playlist

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Many years, our preparations for Lent are somewhat involved. J plans the family liturgy. I put together a playlist. The purple/gray fabric is pulled out to cover the table, and a thin, matching ribbon is the sole ornament on the wrath on the door. various parts of the house are modified to match the season and keep us mindful as we follow into the desert--with the assurance of Easter on the other side.

With our restricted packing and shipping to New Jersey for this year, we had to choose carefully what came. The Advent wreath and purple made the cut; lenten decorations did not. Even now as I think about scrambling to acquire something I am mindful of the fact that we won't be able to take it back with us: we have the same amount of space allotted on the return (although we may ship a few more things, that must be factored in to the price of everything we add). Limitations, limitations.

At home I have often used bare branches in table arrangements during this season. Instead, we can look out the windows and see all of the bare branches one could wish for. The ground has been colorless and covered with snow for nearly four weeks. I expect that spring will come right in time, and provide the glorious Easter without. And may the spirit of God provide for a glorious Easter within.

I will be back to white and gold next year.

Here is my playlist for Lent this year. Less conventional than the 2012 variety…much like this season of our lives.




Collect for Lent, Week One:

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; 

Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; 

and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; 

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and for ever. 

Amen.