Palm Sunday

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!'

John 12:12-13

Today was Palm Sunday. What a lovely evening service we had at our church.

It started with a reading from John 12:12-19, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Afterwards, we sang a few upbeat songs of worship: "You are the Sovereign I AM", "We are Conquerors", and "Hail the Lamb", before "All Glory, Praise, and Honour" slowed down the tempo.

Next we read John 19:1-16, followed by Neil's sermon: A Place of Destiny. He reminded us that Christ's destiny was the cross, and indeed, the cross is what gives each of us destiny and purpose.

Afterwards we had a stirring time of prayer and reflection. David read from Isaiah 53, "by His stripes we are healed," and Anna prayed: "Father, thank you for the Passion of your dear Son Jesus Christ".

The atmosphere became somber, and we entered into a time of reflection of our Lord's suffering. "O the deep deep love of Jesus", "I will Sing your Praises", and "Here I am to Worship" were profoundly meaningful songs, followed by the beautiful hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

David blessed parishioners with Philippians 2: Christ "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross". The Lights dimmed, and the cross at the back of the church shone brightly. My heart became heavy.

A Youth Ensamble sang Agnus Dei in the Postlude:

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: grant us thy peace.

The service ended in silence. Holy Week has begun.