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About this post: We want to stay connected! This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals for this season. Read them, share them, and pray that they bring God's peace and love to our communities. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpc to 39970. We welcome your comments and questions each day.

About the Author: Mary and Stan moved to Noblesville almost 5 years ago from Quincy, MA where Stan was Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. They ministered in New England for 20 years. They have been pleased to make ZPC their church home. Mary joined the membership of the church 3½ years ago and Stan is now Parish Associate. Mary is a part of the Children’s Ministry, teaching grades 1-4. She also enjoys being a part of the Meal Train and helping with the Women’s Retreat. She is a shepherd leader/discussion leader for the Women’s North Day BSF Class. They have 3 married children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 golden retriever. 

Today's Scripture: John 12:12-19

In John 12:12-19 we find the crowd gathering in Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus chose this time to make his entry. Word had spread that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. The Jewish crowds were excited! Could he be the promised Messiah? When the people heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, they took palm branches, went out to meet him, and begin waving the branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the King of Israel.” Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it to fulfill the prophesy found in Zechariah 9:9. But we find that not all are excited about Jesus’ popularity. The Pharisees are worried: “Look how the whole world has gone after him.” (verse 19).

From our 20 years of ministry on the south shore of Boston, one of my fondest memories was teaching my 4 and 5 year old Sunday School class about Palm Sunday. Our children joined our processional hymn “Hosanna Loud Hosanna” as our worship service began. They waved their palms and danced around and yes, some even hit each other with them. They understood the joy and delight of welcoming Jesus. They were excited! 

Are you excited to welcome and worship Jesus this Palm Sunday? Or are you overwhelmed, concerned, and fearful about life with COVID-19? It is good for us to understand our circumstances and to be in touch with the devastation of the virus. AND, it is good for us to worship Jesus, our King of Peace and Hope. His good plan will carry us through this crisis just as it carried his disciples through Holy Week, his crucifixion, and his resurrection.

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of  Israel!” 

Activity:

Go outside, find a green branch, cut it, and bring it inside. Or make a branch by cutting one out of green paper or out of white paper and coloring it green. You can make it any shape you choose. March around your house (yes, you grown-ups can do this!), waving your branches and singing “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  You could make a video and send it to Jerry and Scott. When you are done, attach your branches to your front door or place them in a window. We can still be connected even with social distancing!

Prayer:

Loving, Triune God,
We honor and praise you on this Palm Sunday. Thank you that you came for all people. Thank you that you came to provide life everlasting with you in Heaven. Thank you that you willingly carried our sins to your cross. Help us carry our burdens to you, and help us welcome and worship you, our King.
In your precious Son’s name we pray,
Amen

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