April brings us to the end of Lent with Holy Week which leads into the great celebration of our Lord’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Music has always been a big part of the celebration of this time, the Greater Cycle of the Christian year of Lent- Easter- Pentecost. When you have a chance, look in our hymnbook at some of the hymns often sung during Lent, including Holy Week, that we all know so well such as #504 The Old Rugged Cross, #286 O Sacred Head now Wounded, #288 Were You There, #289 Ah, Holy Jesus, #292 What Wondrous Love is This, #294 Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed, #298 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and #301 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross and many others. This music truly speaks to the heart and soul and the songs remind us of the sacrifice that Jesus willingly gave himself to pay for our sins. They are sobering and remind us to be grateful for this great gift.
Palm Sunday is glorious as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, so look at the familiar songs #277 Tell me the Stories of Jesus, #278 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, and #280 All Glory, Laud, and Honor. This day begins Holy Week and we remember His Passion and crucifixion, often studying and retelling the events of that terrible week. I can only imagine that the disciples of Jesus and his other followers did not feel much like singing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But Sunday comes and our music is big, and soaring and celebratory with songs such as #302 Christ the Lord is Risen Today which is sung in most all churches on Easter. Other hymns that reminds us of the power of God to raise His Son from the dead including #308 Thine be the Glory, #310 He Lives, #314 In the Garden, #322 Up from the Grave He Arose and #327 Crown Him with Many Crowns. Many of these hymns have wonderful theological teachings as well as stirring music. Read the words, let the music wash over you, join with all Christians to sing that He is Risen! The Easter Season reminds us of the love of God the Father through the Son Jesus Christ. How truly humbling and how truly magnificent!
We are also looking forward to having our young people participate in the church service on Palm Sunday, so please be sure to come worship with us.
Vickie