Palm Sunday Memories

Dear Beloveds,

One of my favorite memories as a little kid was Palm Sunday at my home church.

Our church was Immanuel Presbyterian Church in downtown Los Angeles, at the intersection of Wilshire and Vermont, which is now the heart of Korea town. If you have been there, you will know that it is a grand old sanctuary, that can seat hundreds and hundreds of people, complete with a rich history. It houses 3 organs on its campus, and beautiful stained glass windows all around. I was baptized, confirmed, and married in that sanctuary! We celebrated Christmas Eve with Handel’s Messiah, my sister and I falling asleep in the velvet red chairs, and every year on Palm Sunday, all the kids in the Sunday School dressed in white robes and waved palm branches as we processed in with the pastor.

What is so special about Palm Sunday? Not only does it mark the beginning of Holy Week, but it importantly marks the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, one week before His death. As Jesus rode in on a donkey (not a horse), people came to greet Him and cheer Him on by waving palm branches, shouting “Hosanna” (which, translated, means ‘Save us’)!

This event was the fulfilling of the prophecy in the Old Testament that spoke of the coming of a Messiah, a savior. The palm branches hold importance because they were symbolic of a great celebration, much like confetti and balloons are used today.

But this was not just any ordinary parade. The day was ripe with tension, both religious and political. Jesus knew what the week held for Him, and by this time, He had angered enough of the religious leaders and had plagued the government as well with His presence and His teachings.

We oftentimes forget that is the atmosphere in which Jesus arrived: He knew what was headed into, He knew what He faced, He knew what He had to do. And yet, He continued on in His mission, and entered the city as a humble servant leader, ready to give it all for humanity.

This is the God who loved us so; and this is what we remember as we begin Holy Week.

Lenten blessings to you,

Pastor Grace