A surprising spring snowfall brought reminders of Christmas during this Holy Week in which we celebrate Easter. A simple glimpse back brings connection to the events from Palm Sunday to Easter, finding the gift of Jesus in the middle of the celebration.
Christmas
It’s April and it snowed this week. The big fluffy flakes were out of place locally this late in the year. Watching them float to the ground with some retaining their form as they landed was magical. So beautiful in fact that it didn’t matter they came so late in the season. The moment still brought the giddy feeling a winter snow fall brings. While the calendar may already say spring, this surprising weather brought back the magic of Christmas.
Jesus’ birth
As we approach Easter Sunday and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, when he rose to life, we can take a moment to look back at Christmas when we celebrate his birth.
An angel of the Lord spoke to Mary’s husband Joseph in a dream announcing the birth of this gift from God.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV
When the Messiah arrived, an angel announced the good news to the shepherds out in the field:
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV
Jesus’ arrival
The shepherds rejoiced at Jesus’ arrival.
Another group of people celebrated Jesus’ arrival. This time as an adult it was his arrival into Jerusalem.
Holy Week
This week is Holy Week, the succession of days from Palm Sunday to Easter. The days between the triumphant procession of Jesus into Jerusalem and the victory in heaven as Christ made a way for us.
Hosanna
At the beginning of the week a joyful crowd greeted Jesus with shouts of praise as he made his way into Jerusalem.
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV
Victorious
Riding on a donkey, Jesus fulfilled the words spoken by the Old Testament prophet Zechariah:
“Rejoice, O people of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
He is righteous and victorious,
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zechariah 9:9 NLT
A victory parade suitable for a king.
Shouts
By the end of the week another crowd raised their voices with words meant for Jesus.
“Crucify him!” they shouted. Mark 15:13 NIV
This crowd had chosen his fate. Or had they?
Raised to life
While Jesus was still with his disciples, he told them,
“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” Matthew 17:22-23 NIV
Remember
For Jesus’ followers, the days began with a joyous procession. But a few days later the disciples were surprised as their teacher was taken away from them. So much happens in the middle that we can miss if we don’t pause to remember. Remember Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Remember Jesus breaking the bread and lifting the cup to remind his followers of his body and blood offered for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 22:19-20, Matthew 26:26-28)
Gift of life
As we move through Holy Week may we pause to remember what Christ did for us and truly celebrate the gift of life He gave for us.
Another perspective on Holy Week:
Holy Week – Palm Sunday to Easter and everything in between
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