Hi Family,

It's Easter week!

For many Christians, "Holy Week" describes a season of observance that begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter morning.

The Easter story tells of His love and atonement for us. Each day this Easter week, I'll share what Christ was doing and what it means to us.

I've added some new insights this year.

PALM SUNDAY-Jesus was returning to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. As he rode a colt toward the city, large crowds gathered to honor him and to spread clothing and palm branches on the ground in front of him. It was a triumphal entry. The followers rejoiced and cried out. "Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." This triumphal entry provides a joyful prelude to the many sad events that would intervene between this point and the miracle of the empty tomb. It represents one of the few times during His mortal ministry when Jesus was recognized as the king He is.

The triumphal entry also serves as a symbol of Jesus's Second Coming, allowing us to look forward to the day when He will return in glory and all will accept Him as king.

Additional info: For centuries it was the custom for a king to enter a city seated on a donkey as a symbol of peace. That would be in opposition to an army entering on horses with the intent of conquering. The palm leaf was waved as a symbol of victory. Seeing Christ enter Jerusalem in this manner was very threatening to the Sadducees and Pharisees. Zechariah had specifically foretold that the messianic king would come in this fashion.

Love, Mom and Dad xoxox