By Judy Villanueva

“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey…”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.  They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.  A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,  “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

This Palm Sunday was very different from all others in my life.  The sun rose with the reminder that a threat hangs over our world and the morning news repeated the alarm to wake up and be careful lest you, too, are touched by Covid-19.  In addition, my husband and I woke up stuck in a familiar misunderstanding.  You know the kind where you talk and talk and end up in the same tangled place.  We decided the best way through the intensity of the hour would be to move forward, move along,  just move!  So we did!  He packed us a picnic, I grabbed our jackets and off we drove to a nearby lake that always offers us its beauty and a place to remember that we are not alone or abandoned in our troubles but  HELD — always HELD

 by the God who made Heaven and earth — and bumble bees, full moons, and Springtime!

As we hiked, a beautiful frozen lake encircled by snow covered peaks came into view.  Exhale!  And, what’s this?  A broader perspective!  There, on the waters edge we sat in stunned silence as God ministered peace to us.  It felt like we’d been painted into the middle of His masterpiece and invited to celebrate His company.  And, that is when we heard the familiar echo of Palm Sunday!  The exuberant declaration that the King has come!  And, as we remembered we felt our hearts soften and enter the wonder and miracle of Palm Sunday — in the midst of a misunderstanding and in spite of a world pandemic, 

Jesus is King and His arrival into our days always makes a seismic difference! 

How would our thoughts be impacted if we lived inside of the reality that Jesus has come and is here now?  Are you expecting Him to arrive today and are you ready to welcome Him?  These are the questions that challenged my husband and I to wake up to  the presence of Christ in our very real lives– whether sitting in the middle of a masterpiece, weathering a storm or struggling toward love.  I want to welcome Jesus every day and I want His presence to initiate a seismic difference in my mind and heart.   I want to be part of the announcement that the King has come, and I want to celebrate all that He has done!  The love of Christ hung — and, hangs over our world to remind us that He has OVERCOME —  yesterday, today, and forever!  

HOSANNA !

“Thank you, Jesus, for being my King!  For entering my life and  clearing the way into your presence.  I welcome you!  Help me to watch for you today and notice all the ways you come to me.  Amen.”

What about you?

Are you watching for Jesus’ arrival today?

Are you ready to welcome Him?

How would seeing Jesus entering your day change the way you think and feel about your life today?

King Jesus is here!  Let’s celebrate!

Worship