This March for the review I wanted to review a song that reflected the themes of Ash Wednesday. I’ve always participated in Ash Wednesday in preparation for Lent – even when I was in elementary school. I still remember everyone from students to faculty with ashes on their foreheads all day; some of us even managed to get the ashes on our cheeks and chins throughout the course of the day. But, what is the real meaning behind Ash Wednesday and what is its significance? After doing some research, I found that the central themes of Ash Wednesday are repentance for our sins; to come to terms with our shortcomings, reconciliation with ourselves, others, and God, and to recognize our own mortality and the acceptance of us needing God in our lives. Which brings us to our song of the month: “Holy Water” by We The Kingdom!
“I don’t wanna abuse Your grace
God, I need it every day
It’s the only thing that ever really
We’re familiar with Lent as being the time we usually give up something (something that’s usually not good for us, anyways) for 40 days as a reminder of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert prior to starting his ministry. This also leads us up to Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, and then His resurrection and conquering of death on Easter Sunday. Lent is a time we spend in reflection and prayer of what Jesus did for all people and the powerful love and forgiveness he showed on the cross. The lyrics in this song reflect upon this idea with pumped-up guitars and drums. The song also has breaks that give you a chance to really listen to the lyrics in the chorus. I felt they encapsulate the meaning of Lent and what we’re really focusing on during this time. Even touching on baptism which was another significant part of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, being baptized by John the Baptist.
“Your forgiveness
Is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips
Like the sound of a symphony to my ears
Like holy water on my skin,”
This song’s lyrics set perfectly with the themes within Lent and what we’re about to be diving into with our scripture lessons and also what we should be reflecting on these upcoming 40 days. I hope this Lent allows you to gain a new healthy habit, or maybe help you end an old unhealthy one, but I hope that we’re all able to feel the Lord’s love and forgiveness, like Holy Water on our skin!
References:
Collington, Sereta. “40 Days in the Desert: Reflecting on Jesus’ Temptation in Lent.” Medium, 16 Feb. 2024, Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff. “March Bible Verses: Daily Scriptures for the Month – Explore the Bible.” Bible Study Tools, Salem Web Network, 22 Feb. 2021, Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Discipleship Ministries . “A Service of Worship for Ash Wednesday.” Discipleship Ministries, 10 Nov. 2014, Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
GotQuestions.org. “Why Was Jesus Baptized?” GotQuestions.Org, 7 Feb. 2011, Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Lifeway Young Adults. “Lent: Meeting Jesus in the Wilderness.” Lifeway Young Adults, 7 July 2020, Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Petruzzello, Melissa. “Ash Wednesday.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 Jan. 2025, Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.