Waving in Celebration - Lent 2020
After this I looked and behold a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Revelation 7:9-10
As the Native American music played, children of all ages and many nations waved palm branches. There was walking, hopping, and dancing. There was singing and shouting. There was great joy and laughter by Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Rosebud Sioux, Crow, Apache, German, and English Believers. It was Palm Sunday at Haskell LIGHT!
Together, with Christians worldwide, this was a dress rehearsal for that great day in Heaven St. John wrote about in the book of Revelation. Then, we will be among the countless people from every part of the world waving palm branches and singing praise and thanksgiving to honor our Great God - our Great Victorious Warrior Jesus!
The custom of waving branches, or other items, to honor important people is found in several cultures worldwide. The Greeks and Romans used the palm branch to symbolize victory and peace. Some Native American tribes wave cedar branches, grasses, or feathers over people during honoring and healing ceremonies.
The music at Haskell LIGHT on Palm Sunday, the day we celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem, was based on Psalm 24 which many believe was written by King David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem for the people to celebrate the presence of God. Jesus was the Perfect Lamb of God who would be sacrificed on a tree for the sins of everyone from every nation, tribe, people, and language a few days later. His victory on the tree allows us to experience God’s presence every day and forever.
So, let’s practice. Put on some music, sing a song, and wave your arms. Wave a branch from a tree or bush. Wave a prayer shawl. Wave some feathers. Have a joyful heart as you show God how much you appreciate His great love for you!
Jesus, thank you for being our Victorious Warrior over sin, death, and the power of the devil. Give us a heart of gratitude every day to celebrate what You have done. Amen.