Palm Sunday March 24, 2024 at Bethany

Palm Sunday falls on the Sunday before Easter. It celebrates what is called “the

triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It recalls an event mentioned in each of the

four Gospels. Its name originates from the palm branches waved by the crowd as they

greet and honor Jesus while he enters the city. Palm branches, however, are

mentioned only in the Gospel of John and the Gospel writers differ in their descriptions

of the people who herald his coming into the city. Many pilgrim groups were coming into

Jerusalem in the time just before Passover singing the psalms of ascent. It is likely that

as Luke records, that it was mostly disciples of Jesus who accompanied him and who

began to sing, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in

heaven, and glory in the highest heaven.” The disciples of Jesus continue to

remember and celebrate this event on the Sunday before Easter with palm branches

being waved as entry is made into the sanctuary of the church.

Above article written by Rev. Merritt Watson

Photo provided by Melissa Watson

This Sunday we will meet and honor this tradition. The congregation will gather in the inside hallway by the front door with palm branches provided by the church and process into the sanctuary together. This is a joyous occasion, and we will sing "Alleluia!" as we enter the sanctuary down the center aisle laying our palms in front of the alter before taking our seats. mfw