HOLY WEEK

Today is the official beginning, but I think we began observing Holy Week last night.  We attended a concert and Guy Penrod nearly brought down the house by singing the grand finale, a new arrangement of  "The Cross."  It was incredible! 

This morning, Palm Sunday, the choir of our church nearly brought down the back wall as they sang  triumphantly those eloquent praises found in "high church" music!  Trumpets and palm leaves added to the joyous service. 

After the incredible music there was a baby dedication!  How very appropriate!  There in front of God and everyone a precious little boy was prayed over as his parents vowed to raise him in the shelter and love of the church. His new little life was on display!

It's a great start, but we have seven more days to go. And this week must NOT go by as just another period of time where hours and days run together.  THIS week is the holiest of all for the Christian community everywhere. The culmination of THIS week gives us the reason for Christmas = EASTER!

This week, 2000 year ago, time was forever divided.  We live on the cross side of time called  GRACE,  after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Everything before the cross was simply preparation as to what was to happen that very first holy week.

During those  seven days prophecies were fulfilled and God's calendar found in Leviticus chapter 23 came alive before the people of that time. Minute detail of God's plan became visible.

Most went about their every day chores and duties ignorant that of the facts. God Himself was on stage and nothing would ever be the same after that!!  Some  folks DID slow down long enough to realize what was happening:  Peter, Simon of Cyrene, Mary,  the soldiers, John, and my favorite, the Centurion.  They were all eyewitnesses to that defining moment in history.

I have a plan.  I'll read "No Wonder They Called Him the Savior" by Max Lucado,  perhaps watch the movie "The Passion of Christ," marvel at the resurrection of the life of my Iris's and Roses, and dig out the appropriate sections of Handel's "Messiah."  I think I'll look through the scrapbook I made of our trip to Israel and weep.  I always weep as I remember the Garden of Gethsemane and the powerful stillness and peace that is there.  I'll play "The Holy City" on the piano and sing those words describing Jerusalem but only when there is no one around to listen.

This week must NOT go by and in reflection be described as just another seven ordinary days, just another week of living my normal schedule. This is a week of  personal preparation for next Sunday,  EASTER SUNDAY, the day that divided TIME!