April brings us the holiest time of the Christian year – Holy Week – Palm Sunday to Easter. This year, it’s April 2 – 9. Our emotions take a roller coaster ride during this week. The Bible tells us that on the Sunday before Passover, there was a parade with the people waving palm branches, and they celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with the crowds crying out, “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” It is a joyous day – the King, the Messiah, is coming into his kingdom, and all with be right with the world. But the week continues. During this week, Jesus cleans out the temple of those selling things calling them “robbers”. He is challenged by the chief priests and the elders about his teaching and tells them, “I will not tell you by what authority I will do these things”. He calls out the Sadducees on their questions about the resurrection, then denounces them. He points out the widow’s offering as more than all others who gave more money and foretells the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem. He tells his followers they will be persecuted, and talks about signs of the coming of the Son of Man. All this does not make the Jewish leaders feel warm and fuzzy toward Jesus. They begin the plot to kill him. So by Thursday, the Passover, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem seems like a very long time ago. We know the story – the mock trial, Peter’s denial, the crucifixion, and the burial. But, as the saying goes – it’s Friday, but Sunday is a-coming! And we know that on Easter morning, Jesus is not dead. He has risen! The resurrection is the whole premise of our Christian faith. And we celebrate joyously.
On Palm Sunday, our children, and anyone else who wants to, will parade with, or even just wave palm branches, and we will remember and celebrate the emotional high of that day. We will also celebrate Holy Communion. But we will also begin to feel the despair and the horror of Jesus’ followers as the week goes on. The church will, as always, be open for private prayer during the day on Good Friday for you to come in when you can and stay as long as you want to. There will be information available to guide prayers and help us remember Jesus’ last earthly hours and to help us remember his sacrifice and feel that purpose and passion.
Easter Sunday will be a glorious celebration of Christ’s Resurrection – we will have joyous music and a special Easter choir! We have been practicing for several weeks and hope you will all come to support their efforts to bring praise to God through song.
He is risen, indeed!