Today was Palm Sunday – a joyous day in my home church, First United Methodist. We celebrated Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem all those years ago. The children came into the sanctuary carrying palm branches. The Wednesday night children’s classes had learned special music for the occasion. “Hosanna Loud Hosanna”, the traditional Palm Sunday hymn, rang out as the congregation joined in worship. This particular day there were two rosebuds on the altar to announce the addition of as many babies to our church family.
But after today, and for the rest of this week, the church should be in a more somber mood. For the next few days we should reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ last days on earth.
On Thursday evening, there will be a service of communion, a remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. We will hear scripture and songs as we ponder our savior’s life and death… the betrayal, the pain he suffered. We will leave the worship service in solemn silence…
To return again on Easter morning. To the promise of the resurrection. To the joyous greeting Christ is risen! and the response, He is risen indeed!
Dot, I enjoyed reading this. It seems that Palm Sunday and Easter are early this year.