celebrate

"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 12:13 ESV)

How do you celebrate something?  Do you go "out to meet" it? Do you wait at home?  Do you travel to someone's house or business to celebrate?  What does it take for you to "celebrate"?  As I write this I am at my son's celebrating the middle grandson's birthday.  This is the first time, in his 19 years, I have been able to "celebrate" his birthday with him.  This is the Lenten season and clergy are a little busy (especially with a multi-point charge) to travel for a birthday.  This year, however, I am "retired" so I could be here.

The people, in Jerusalem, "went out to meet him" and were excited.  They were crying out (shouting?) "Hosanna"!    They were waving "branches of palm trees" and some translations say "spread their cloaks on the road." (Matthew 21:8 ESV)  Do we get that excited about praising our God?  Do we celebrate with family and friends?  Do we TALK about our faith let alone shout (celebrate) our faith?

What did we do for the 19th birthday?  We had a quiet family dinner "out" and played some games?  We celebrated together, talked(!) and enjoyed the food and the fellowship.  What are you doing to celebrate?  Are you getting ready to celebrate Easter?  Something to think about........