Palm Sunday - Procession of the Palms

Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 New American Bible

Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 New Internation Version

In order to accomplish what was predicted in the scriptures, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. People threw their cloaks down on the road before him. Others waved their palm branches in the air over him. They welcomed him as their king. Yet the very next day these same people called out, “Crucify him.”

In many churches today they give the people palm branches to take home with them. Whenever you see a palm branch, give thanks to God for being your everlasting King.

Today when you get your home ready for a special visitor, you put out the red carpet for him. Red dye used to be hard to get. It cost a lot of money. Today it means you put out your best plates and silverware. You put out your best tablecloths. You wear your finest clothing. You prepare your most delicious foods. You invite your family and friends to come and meet your visitor.

Spend time this week getting your soul ready for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the King. Clean out any hard feelings you have towards others. Forgive them. Spend a little time each day reading the Bible. Draw and color a picture to show how much you love God and appreciate his Son, Jesus Christ dying on the cross. If you have plastic eggs to hide for Christmas, write little messages of love and thanks to God on slips of paper and put them inside the Easter eggs. Stop before you eat and ask God to bless everyone at your home on Easter. Make sure you bow your heads and ask God to bless your food. When you show you are thankful for what you have and take good care of it, God will send you more.

Say the “Our Father” to show God you love him and honor him as your heavenly king.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.