The Meaning of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.

The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey (or domesticated ass) was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.

Palm Sunday in Modern Times
Today, Palm Sunday traditions are much the same as they have been since the tenth century. The ceremony begins with the blessing of the palms. The procession follows, then Mass is celebrated, wherein the Passion and the Benediction are sung. Afterwards, many people take the palms home and place them in houses, barns, and fields.

In some countries, palms are placed on the graves of the departed. In colder northern climates, where palm trees are not found, branches of yew, willow, and sallow trees are used. The palms blessed in the ceremony are burned at the end of the day. The ashes are then preserved for next year’s Ash Wednesday celebration.

In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus’ life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.

FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD
“Written by: Randall Grier on March 2009”

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Jesus Christ said to Kenneth E. Hagin, “Go teach my
people faith”. Mark 11:23-24 was the foundation
scriptures for his teachings on faith. I believe the reason
Jesus told him that, was to prepare a generation to walk in
the supernatural power of God in this day. We must return
to teaching and preaching on faith as well as putting it into
practice in our daily lives.

King David became so successful through faith in God
that Satan convinced him that he could accomplish
anything without God. The church has become successful
through faith and trust in the Lord. Now Satan has
convinced many that we can do it without God.

I encourage you to study the Word of God and spend
time in prayer on a daily basis. We have included special
offers in this newsletter that will help you get to the place
you need to be in the Lord.