The Palms

March 24

I am thankful for Palm Sunday, and the hymn "The Palms", which our choir sings every Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday represents Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusulem riding on a donkey, while the people put out palm leaves and branches before his path. It is that good time prior to the horrible things that happened to Him for forgivenss of sins.

"The Palms" hymn is very beautiful. It was written by Jean-Baptiste Faure (1830-1914), a French opera singer:

The Palms

verse 1

O'er all the way, green palms and blossoms gay

Are strewn this day in festal preparation

Where Jesus comes to wipe our tears away,

E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare

chorus

Join all and sing, His name declare

Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation

Hosanna! Praise to the Lord!

Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation.

The theme photo was taken around the corner from my house. It is a sago palm. The photo below was taken in Round Rock, Texas, at a friend of my sister's property. The donkey's name is Dana and typifies the donkey as being gentle and humble, just as our Savior.

March 24b

prince of peace

prince of peace

not the monarch to rule

not an earthly king

boundless and merciful

aboard a donkey gentle

rode to his dire and grim fate

cloaks and palms laid before

for Him they did venerate

and they sang songs and praises

for Him whom they adored

“blessed is He who comes

in the name of the Lord.”

© rt tulley