Holy Week

It is incredible to have the opportunity to be in the Holy Land during Holy Week! So many people make pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the week of Easter, and I get to experience it because I live here!

Palm Sunday

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Some friends and I began the celebration by sitting and observing from the top of one of the city walls. We watched the boy scouts, drummers, and different Christian groups as they walked through Lions Gate, palm branches in hand, singing songs. We then picked up some branches and joined in the celebration. It was so neat to see all of the different Christian religions worshiping and celebrating in different ways but with one cause.

I also got to go and hear the primary kids sing at the Garden Tomb. What a sweet and unique experience that was! This is my valiant 9-11 class (mostly consisting of my professors daughters). The tomb is just to the left of us.

I woke up to this sweet surprise. Without coordinating it, two of my roommates left us Easter morning surprises!Tawny wrote the note and left some chocolates, and Taylor made the baskets and left candy too. I have the most thoughtful and fun roommates! I scored big time there. 

On Easter Sunday, we woke up before the sun to make it to the sunrise worship put on by the King of Kings Church at the Garden Tomb. Even though we were early, there was a big line-up in front of the gate. I wasn't sure if we were going to get in, but what I didn't know is that we had special reserved seats.

Apparently each year, they reserve the front steps for the BYU students. Can you believe that? We are the only group that they reserve seats for! And they are front row! It really impressed me, because all growing up, I was asked if Mormons are Christians on so many occasions. Here at the Garden Tomb, one of the most Holy sites for the Christian world, they know we are Christian. Students frequent the Garden Tomb every week, especially on the Sabbath, and they are so welcoming to us.

The service was not an LDS service, but God's love was so easily felt through all the wonderful people there. We sang with the Christian band and shouted hallelujah with all the congregation.

On the door of the empty tomb are written the words "He is not here, for He is risen". The angel told Mary to "fear not". Neither do we have reason to fear if we have faith in God and rely on His Son Jesus  Christ. He conquered death so that we may live again. Jesus truly is the Lamb of God. I was thinking about what that means today. The Lamb of God- the ultimate sacrifice of God, the almighty. Sacrifices are typically offerings made to God, but the sacrifice of His perfect Son, Jesus Christ was made by God for us. Is that not humbling? I am so grateful for His redeeming plan! And I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, and the Life he lived as an example for me.