Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and for the first time I think I was able to understand what the day is for (beyond starting lent). If Christ didn't come, live a perfect life, show use what the kingdom could be like, die a death he didn't deserve, take our sin on himself and get separated from the father to rise on the third day, ascend to the Father and send the Holy Spirit, to rule from his throne, all we would have is ash.