The Journey by Pastor Susan Hoyle

Mark 11:1-11
Scripture for April 5

We love parties, don’t we? Birthday parties, anniversary parties, welcome spring parties are so much fun. We love to celebrate important occasions like weddings, graduations and new babies. We also celebrate occasions when we say “yes” to God with baptisms and Confirmation (when a youth confirms his or her faith). Celebrations give us a time to think about the importance of the event and to feel the joy.

Over 2,000 years ago there was a time of celebration when Jesus came to Jerusalem. His ministry had affected so many people through His preaching, teaching and healing. They knew He really was God’s Son. So when He came into Jerusalem, the people lined the streets for the holy parade. They cheered, waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna.” Can’t you just see Jesus waving and smiling at the crowd of people? Or was He thinking what might be ahead of Him later in the week?

We will come together this Sunday and our children will be part of the holy parade as they wave palm branches just like the people did 2000 years ago. We, too, will be part of the celebration as we begin Holy Week. We will celebrate Jesus’ ministry on earth and share how He continues to touch our lives today as we end our 40 Days of Community study. We will also share how we offered Christ to our corner of the world during the Mission Blitz ’09 and how Christ was offered to us…

Prayer

Let’s celebrate, God, because You do such the great things for us. May we always remember to celebrate You. Amen.