According to the three-year ecumenical lectionary, developed in recent years, the Sunday before Easter is primarily known as the Sunday of the Passion, instead of Palm Sunday. The procession with palm branches is still recommended, but the emphasis of the day has shifted to the Passion of Christ, as seen in the suggested lengthy Gospel readings appointed.

In this worship service, however, we have chosen to lift up the Palm Sunday theme, and to focus on the kingship of Christ and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Christ the king is a powerful image. Let the church become Jerusalem for this Sunday morning!

The use and distribution of palms is a unique custom. When else, and where else, do we ever use palms or hand them out? Palms are a memorable and meaningful symbol to many Christians. I th…