Palm Sunday
We Can Stop Whispering And We Get To Shout
"The crowds that ...followed him were shouting, 'Hosanna'" Matthew 21:9

I was speaking to someone this week who commented that she has more memories of Palm Sunday as a child, than Easter Sunday.  I think that may be true for many.  The entry by Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey is something children can relate to.  There's the donkey, there's the waving palms, there's the shouting, "Hosanna in the Highest!"  Perhaps we ought learn from the children, and remember the humility of Jesus on the donkey and the shouts of joy that rang out that day.  It's a kind of prelude to Easter, when we again shout for joy for what God in Christ has done.

But Palm Sunday is really a day of two contrasting emotions.  We also read the passion story as a congregation, and enter into Christ's suffering and death.  This is more adult like material, as we think more deeply about Christ's suffering, the cross, and our part in it.  This is not child's play, but deeply serious stuff.  It moves us forward into Holy Week, as we reflect on our Lord's Last Supper, the command to love one another, the prayers in the garden, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial.  It's good to join the children in shouting "Hosanna in the Highest" as we recall the entry into Jerusalem.  It is even better to to join the the shouts of Alleluia, Christ is Risen!, on Easter morning.  For then we  understand more fully God's amazing love and can do nothing less than shout out with praise!