A Joyful Celebration

Before you begin, explain to kids that every time they hear the word “celebrate” or “celebration” they are to cheer and shake their pom poms.

I really enjoy a great celebration (demonstrate), don't you? What are some things that people like to celebrate? (demonstrate) A birthday party...a holiday...or a sporting event? How do they celebrate? (demonstrate), Well, one way people celebrate (demonstrate) is by making a lot of noise. 

This morning, let's have a celebration (demonstrate).  Let's celebrate (demonstrate) that we are here today to worship and praise Jesus. Let's all give three cheers for Jesus by saying “Hip, hip, hooray” three times.  Are you ready? (Pause) Here we go! "Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!"

Wow! That was great, and I think this is a good day for us to celebrate (demonstrate) Jesus, because today is a very special day. Today is Palm Sunday. It’s a day when we remember how people celebrated (demonstrate) when Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a Sunday around two thousand years ago. You may have already heard the story, but let me tell it again.

Jesus was walking with His disciples toward Jerusalem. As they came near to the city, Jesus told two of his disciples to go on ahead into the town. He told them that they would see a young donkey tied there that had never been ridden. "Untie the donkey and bring it to me. If anyone asks you what you are doing, tell them, 'The Lord needs it. He will send it back to you soon.' "

The disciples did what Jesus told them to do, and it happened just as He had told them. They found the young donkey, untied it, and started to lead it away. Some men were standing nearby, and they said to the disciples, "Where are you taking that young donkey?" They told them what Jesus had said, and the men let them take the donkey.

The disciples brought the young donkey to Jesus, and they put their coats on it to make a soft place for Jesus to sit. As they made their way into the city of Jerusalem, people went ahead of Jesus shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Others followed behind, and they were also shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest!" All the while, people lined the streets cheering and waving palm branches.

It was a wonderful celebration (demonstrate), as people cheered loudly for Jesus. 

Just as those people celebrated (demonstrate) two thousand years ago, we have come here today to celebrate (demonstrate) Jesus. What better day to do that than on Palm Sunday? The Bible says, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

Dear God, we celebrate today just as those people celebrated in Jerusalem two thousand years ago. This is the day that You have made; we will rejoice and be glad in it! In Jesus' name, amen.