The Palms

O'er all the way green palms and blossoms gay
Are strewn this day in festal preparation
Where Jesus comes to wipe our tears a way
E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare
Join all and sing, His name declare,
Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation
Hosanna! Praise to the Lord!
Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation!

His word goes forth, and people by its might
Once more regain freedom from degradation
Humanity doth give to each his right,
While those in darkness are restored to light
Join all and sing, His name declare,
Let ev'ry voice resound with accalmation
Hosanna! Praise to the Lord!
Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation!

Sing and rejoice. O blest Jerusalem,
Of all thy songs sing the emancipation;
Through boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem
Brings forth the hope to thee forevermore.
Join, sing His name divine,
Let ev'ry voice resound with united acclamation,
Hosanna! Praised be the Lord,
Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation.

-J. B. Faure

This is a song we sing every Palm Sunday at Bethel AME Church in Lancaster. Palm branches are given to each person and as we sing the refrain, the join all and sing part everyone waves their branches in the air. It's always an emotional time for me. I think it makes me think of the time when we will welcome Christ into our midst once again. Or maybe it's wishful thinking...that Christians everywhere could raise their voices together and celebrate the love of God without division or separation. Enjoy.