Palm/Passion Sunday is April 10.
The “Palm” reminds us of the day the Christian faith celebrates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. The crowd placed palm branches on the road as they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Palms were a symbol of victory and used in royal processionals with hopes the new king would bring kindness and peace. Many churches reenact Jesus’s triumphant entry with the waving of palm leaves and shouts of Hosanna.
Once, we planned to start Palm Sunday with the children processing in waving their palms and singing, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, the Little Children Sang.” The choir was to follow and everyone was to rise and join in the singing. As soon as we started the children ran as fast as they could down the aisle and jumped on the front pew. It brought smiles to our faces and joy.
Palm Sunday celebration starts off Holy Week, but we must not forget the events of the week. If the church is not careful, we can go from a parade to celebrating the resurrection and miss the lonesome valley Jesus traveled for the salvation of the world. To remember the events of Holy Week some churches offer Holy or Maundy Thursday services. Holy Communion is offered and sometimes the service begins with foot washing, remembering the act of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.
Good Friday is called good because it is the day God showed love by redeeming all people through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Churches offer Tenebrae services of darkness to recall Jesus’s betrayal, arrest, suffering, crucifixion, death and burial. At the start of the service, candles are lit and then one by one extinguished after each scripture reading of the passion of Christ. Soon, the church is in darkness and will remain this way until the first service Easter morning. Over the centuries, Christians in Old Jerusalem would retrace the steps of Jesus on Good Friday. This became known as the “Via Dolorosa,” or the way of sorrow. It begins at the place of Jesus’ trial with Pontius Pilate and the route continues as he is scourged by the soldiers, falls, encounters people along the way and is helped by Simon to carry his cross. It continues to Calvary, the cross and tomb.
Weeks go by fast. We can go from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and if we are not careful miss the great passion, the sacrificial and great love of God for all humanity.
May the miracle of Easter bring you joy and hope!
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.