Originally posted April 9, 2006
And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he
was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole
multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud
voice for all the mighty works they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the
King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven and glory in
the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said
unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered, and said unto
them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones
would immediately cry out. ~Luke 19:36-40
Palm Sunday is
one of my favorite Sundays out of the entire year, and one that is
sadly ignored by many members of the [LDS] Church. I started celebrating it [15]
years ago when I was in Jerusalem and celebrated all of Holy Week with
the Orthodox Christians in Jerusalem. I prefer Orthodox Easter because
it is usually less touristy and there are a lot more locals
participating.
We met at Bethphage on top of the Mount of Olives
then walked down the Mount of Olives through Lion's Gate to the Church
of St. Anne where we sang and shouted hosanna. It was a somewhat familiar
experience since I had been at the dedication of the Mount Timpanogos
Temple the year before.
I always remember that particular Sunday
on Palm Sunday now, but I also like to have an official beginning to
this Holy Week when the most important event in history took place. So
much that was good and bad happened this week, and I like to commemorate
the entire week instead of just Easter Sunday. It's nice to begin and
end the week with happy events.
And don't forget Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday, when Mary annointed Jesus (John 12:1-9). Unless it was on Tuesday (Mark 14:3-9).
So many of the praise hymns like "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" and "Come, O Thou King of Kings" are beautiful songs to sing today. "All Glory, Laud and Honor" is one of my favorites:
All glory, laud, and honor
To thee, Redeemer, King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring
Thou art the King of Israel
Thou David's royal Son
Who in the Lord's name comest
The King and Blessed One
The company of angels
Are praising thee on high
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before thee went
Our praise and love and anthems
Before thee we present
To thee, before thy passion
They sang their hymns of praise
To thee, now high exalted
Our melody we raise
Thou didst accept accept their praises
Accept the love we bring
Who in all good delightest
Thou good and gracious king.
1 comment:
It has never occurred to me to celebrate Palm Sunday, but why not? I'll have to read more about it. Your experience in Jerusalem must have been amazing.
Love that hymn myself. And they sang "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" during conference, which always gives me chills to hear.
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