The Triumphant Entry was portrayed by the children of Concord Baptist Church on Palm Sunday. The room was full of people waving palm leaves. The children came in the front door and waited for the right time to take their places. There were a couple of young boys that seemed to me to get very nervous. One told me when we were in the fellowship hall getting ready that he didn't think he wanted to do it. I told him that I would let him wear a costume and when we take our places he could stand beside his grandma. When Jesus passed he could join in and go on stage with his brother or sit quietly next to his grandma. I would be happy with whatever he decided to do. He decided after standing next to his grandma that he could do it. He joined the procession behind Jesus and went to the stage. (A God moment) The other child was younger. I noticed as we were standing behind the congregation that he was standing in the middle of taller children and beginning to get nervous. When I got to him he wanted his mom. I picked him up and he calmed down. (A God moment) I think it can be very stressful to be in the middle of a crowd and everyone is taller than you. I told him I would walk with him down the isle after everyone else and if he still wanted to go to his mom he could go to her then. After a few minutes the children took their places along both sides of the isle.
They waved their palm leaves as Jesus rode the donkey past them. The children laid the palms on the floor before Jesus. As Jesus passed they fell in the line behind him and followed him to the front of the church.
The children lined up on the platform. Jesus got off the donkey (his dad) and joined the others then they sang. They did just as they were asked. They didn't play or fidget, they sang with their hands down by their sides. (A God moment) I was so proud! During all the practices some wanted to sway, put their hands in the air like me and count with their fingers the times we repeated a phrase, or just look around. Basically be children.
As they began to sing their voices filled the sanctuary with the sweetest sound, singing Alleluia to the Prince of Peace. The finale was three of our teenage girls singing a song while the others sat on the front pew.
As they began to sing their voices filled the sanctuary with the sweetest sound, singing Alleluia to the Prince of Peace. The finale was three of our teenage girls singing a song while the others sat on the front pew.
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| Palm Sunday "The Triumphant Entry" |
A little background information that I saw as a God thing. You may believe in coincidences. For instance, the little boy playing Jesus at Easter, was a donkey at Christmas. His mom transformed a brown knit hat into donkey ears. She said she couldn't find a child's size in brown so she bought an adult one. Fast forward to our children's Easter Play. We needed a person to play the donkey. Of course, I had plenty of volunteers from other children. I wanted someone a little older and bigger.
His dad is in charge of our audio visual ministry at Concord Baptist Church so I didn't ask him. Later he came to me and said he would do it. When we were talking about his costume, I was told about a foam head that had been used several years ago. I found the head and took it upstairs. I was concerned because the head was made for an adult. It was almost as big as the child playing Jesus.
The boy's mom entered the room as I was looking at the head. I told her, I like the head but I think it will get laughs because it's almost as big as her son. I don't want laughs as Jesus is entering. Unless it's because the children are just too cute. She said she would take care of her husband's costume. After all she already had the ears because the ones that her son wore at Christmas could fit her husband.
That is were I said, "I shouldn't be surprised. God knew then that we would need them to fit an adult now! (A God moment) GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!"
The children and our donkey did a Great Job! I am so proud of them! I am proud and thankful for the lady playing the piano and teaching us the songs. And the parents that helped with the practices. I am also proud of the ladies that helped me with the costumes!
At Cinderella's Closet, (a ministry of our church that provides gowns for girls that need them for Prom) I mentioned I needed more bible costumes for the Triumphant Entry. The lady that works with the gowns and the girls to make sure each gown fits perfectly volunteered to make some. Two other young ladies volunteered to make some. I had asked for fabric from the Wednesday night bible study group and some had been brought the to me the Saturday of Cinderella's Closet. Perfect timing. (A God moment)
While we were working on the gowns someone mentioned several gowns had been thrown away because of stains, holes or just out of date. I went to the trash can and pulled out those gowns and then several other dresses were brought to us. Gowns are made with alot of fabric. Some of our children wore tunics and head wraps made from the gowns. A couple of costumes were made from pillow cases. The ladies cut a head hole and two arm holes from the closed end of a pillow case. Amazing! From Cinderella's Closet to the Triumphant Entry! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
At Cinderella's Closet, (a ministry of our church that provides gowns for girls that need them for Prom) I mentioned I needed more bible costumes for the Triumphant Entry. The lady that works with the gowns and the girls to make sure each gown fits perfectly volunteered to make some. Two other young ladies volunteered to make some. I had asked for fabric from the Wednesday night bible study group and some had been brought the to me the Saturday of Cinderella's Closet. Perfect timing. (A God moment)
While we were working on the gowns someone mentioned several gowns had been thrown away because of stains, holes or just out of date. I went to the trash can and pulled out those gowns and then several other dresses were brought to us. Gowns are made with alot of fabric. Some of our children wore tunics and head wraps made from the gowns. A couple of costumes were made from pillow cases. The ladies cut a head hole and two arm holes from the closed end of a pillow case. Amazing! From Cinderella's Closet to the Triumphant Entry! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
It took alot of time, talent and volunteers to make this 10 minute children's production. You may ask if it was worth it. I believe so. God can use us all. Besides many parents and church members telling me how much they enjoyed seeing the children. The children were able to learn to step outside their comfort zones and use their talents and abilities. And then there's always the things God does that we didn't expect.
The next day our Minister of Music told me he knew who was going to play the donkey. He knew he was the dad of the child playing Jesus. He said what he didn't know is the impact watching the father carry the son through the waving palms and to the front of the church toward him would make on him. (A God moment)
We thought we were teaching children about Jesus coming into Jerusalem. And helping the church celebrate the beginning of Holy Week.
God used a simple children's play to remind us Jesus is His Son! And he loved Him like our father loves his son! And God loves us so much that He gave His son for us!
WOW!
Have a Blessed Day,
Mama D
John 3:16
For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that Whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
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