The church calendar makes a wonderful servant and a horrible master. This is one of the reasons we have chosen to use it in some places (notice the prayer in the front of the bulletin every week and the description of the Sunday, Maundy Thursday service, Good Friday service) while not others (we exposit books of the Bible rather than through the lectionary). This allows for us to be mindful of our past and of our roots, while emphasizing the reformed traditions and practices of worship. In light of that let’s consider the historic practices of the church during holy week.

Palm Sunday is the day that the congregation is invited to walk a mile in the shoes of the fickle crowds. It is invited to hail Jesus as king and be ever mindful of how quickly the tune changed. Specifically on Palm Sunday we cry out, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” And we pray likewise,

It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day He entered the holy city Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of victory, and grant that we who bear them in His name may ever hail Him as our King, and follow Him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Monday through Wednesday there are usually no services of worship. However, in private worship the church has historically found it helpful to meditate upon the servant songs of Isaiah and the words recorded in the gospels. On Monday consider Isa. 42:1-7 and John 12:1-11. On Tuesday meditate upon Isa. 49:1-6 and John 12:37-50. And on Wednesday read Isa. 50:4-9 and Jn. 13:21-35. And consider this as a prayer to be prayed every one of these three days.

Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, has sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Maundy Thursday is a time to share a love feast with the saints and be reminded that this was the day Christ instituted the Supper. For many Christians this includes communion (which we will celebrate) as well as foot washing; and it introduces a fast that will be broken at Easter.

Good Friday is a celebration and remembrance of Christ’s death.

All of these prepare us for the great day of resurrection we are privileged to share in and celebrate every Lord’s Day and especially on Easter. I do hope and pray that our services will be a blessing to you and yours and that you might come to love and cherish the gospel more and especially the God of the gospel, our Triune God, most of all