Palm Sunday is coming!
Throughout Lent, we have been on a journey with Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem and to his eventual death. On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into the holy city of Jerusalem. Like the people in the Bible, we wave palm branches and shout “Hosannas”, proclaiming Jesus to be the “King of Kings”. We remember his ultimate victory over death and pray that we who bear these palm branches will “ever hail him as our King and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life”. (The Book of Common Prayer)
Palm Sunday is a significant day in the year of the church. It is the first day of Holy Week, the holiest week of the church year. On Palm Sunday, we also hear the reading of the Passion of Christ (the time from his arrest to his death). The Passion of Christ reading reminds us of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his betrayal by one of his best friends, his trial, his beatings, and his crucifixion.
Palm Sunday is a somber day because although we begin the day with joy, hailing Jesus as “the One who comes in the name of the Lord”, we are painfully aware that everyone will be shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” by the end of the week.
Ways to Celebrate
Read Matthew 21:1-11. Questions to ponder: Why would Jesus go to Jerusalem even though he knew it would lead to his death? Why were the people so excited about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus rode on a donkey instead of a horse? How do you think Jesus felt?
Make Pax Cakes. These shortbread cookies are absolutely delicious and so easy to make! Pax means "peace" in Latin. Click the link to read about the funny reason why they were handed out by the priests at church + the recipe!
Make a Palm Sunday Wreath Celebrate this day in your home with a simple wreath made of palm branches and red ribbon. We switch from purple to red on this day because red symbolizes the passion or suffering of Christ. Don't worry if you don't have palms! Palms are only available in very specific geographic zones and I just happen to live in one! Just use any branches of greenery that you can get from your yard.
Make a Palm Sunday Mobile With Your Kids Decorate your home with this sweet Palm Sunday Mobile that you can easily make with your children. All you need are simple supplies that you already have in your home and yard.
Download My Palm Sunday Paper Doll Set I created the set to help your children imagine and meditate on the moment when Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the last time. They can move Jesus and the donkey closer to Jerusalem each day and then on Palm Sunday, they can lay the cloaks and palms out for Jesus and the donkey to walk over.
May you and your family have a blessed Palm Sunday!
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