“The disciples brought donkey to Jesus and threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
—Luke 19:35
Today, Palm Sunday, is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. It was an earthly day that rightfully belonged to him as the Messiah.
How do we talk to our children about this day to make it special?
Your congregation may have a procession outside and give the children palms to wave in the air. At Saint Michael’s, I had handheld musical instruments for children ready to go: cymbals, rhythm sticks, and tambourines. We sandwiched ourselves as a group—right after the crucifer and acolytes, but before the choir. It is a joyous time.
In this time of reenactment and singing of “Hosannah, Hosanna,” together, we passed from Lent into Holy Week. For adults, we know that Good Friday looms ahead. But perhaps not for children who, instead of thinking about the cross, have Easter baskets on their minds. And to be honest, this is developmentally appropriate. Childhood is meant for joy! Children are very present in Spring. Their senses embrace the wonder of baby rabbits, the smell of fresh green grass, and warmer days to play outside. All good things that God has given them to enjoy!
As a child, I remember the excitement of picking up our wire-haired fox terrier puppy on Palm Sunday on our way home from church. The two events are forever woven in my memory. And in my 30s, when my first daughter arrived, I remember being in the hospital on Palm Sunday. The maternity ward was decorated in Easter-themed pastel colors with spring decor on every door! My arms, rather than waving palm branches that day, cradled this new baby. As my daughter grew older, I reminded her that she was born on a very special day, Palm Sunday.
A gift of the liturgical keeping of time is the overlay of every day, intersecting events. Liturgical days like Palm Sunday hold fast like anchors in the timeline of our lives.
How can we as caregivers, parents, and stewards of the gospel message be mindful and stay present on Palm Sunday? This morning, your children might discover coloring pages in Sunday School depicting palm branches and Jesus riding on the donkey. Following the lead of children, young ones who take us by the hand, “Come and see! Mom, Dad, grandma, grandpa, brother, sister! What I learned in Sunday School today!”
Be ready.
Engaging in conversations with children will widen the margins of the holy days this week, inviting them to take on unique everyday experiences. Children can share their connectedness to the Animal Kingdom as they see or feel the unconditional love of a pet. Their curiosity might move them to observe how fish swim, a turtle lumbers along, a hamster spins on a wheel, or a lizard quickly scatters out of sight as they learn about the world. In this season, younger children may talk to you about bunny rabbits. Their artwork may be a blend of Crosses, rabbits, and Easter eggs. For upper elementary children who have more practice with Holy Week, sharing their memories can be helpful. Asking older children to share what they remember is a way of making the circle of knowledge wider.
In the curriculum Godly Play, wondering questions end each session. I wonder what part of this story you like best? I wonder where you are in the story? I wonder what is the most important part?
Oftentimes children share about the donkey. To engage this further, we might ask children more questions. What is the donkey thinking? What would the donkey say if it had a voice?
Sparkhouse Digital Holy Moly Sunday School curriculum shares the animated story of the donkey bucking like a bronco. The humor in this depiction is too funny! The animator was thinking outside the box. It may be easy to assume Jesus had no trouble riding the “never ridden before” donkey through the Gate.
Ordering figurines of Jesus, the donkey, and palm branches or creating small cardboard ones yourself is a sure way to keep the Gospel message going when children are at home. As they play with them, ask questions to help them enter the story. What might Jesus have been thinking hearing all those nice things being said about him? Would you pause to listen? Where else would he like to travel? To your home?
Why of course!
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