Easter Sunday – the True Hope!

This is the Good News –

The grave is empty,

Christ is risen

He is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!

 

This is the Good News –

The light shines in the darkness

And the darkness can never put it out.

Christ is risen

He is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!

 

This is the Good News –

Once we were not people,

Now we are God’s people.

Christ is risen

He is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!

 

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

 

The Report of the Guard

 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day.

 

The Commissioning of the Disciples

 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

It was at dawn on the first day of this week that friends from Highbury went up to Crickley Hill and celebrated Easter at Sunrise!  You can also see pictures of the Passover Moon criss-crossed by vapour trails, and of the Good Friday walk of witness through  Cheltenham Town Centre to the Wesley Cross in St Mary's Church yard.   The limestone quarry in the centre is just like the limestone quarry at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.

Easter Saturday - the Quietest Day

Today is the seventh day.

And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

 

Genesis 2

 

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.

 

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

 

Luke 23

 

This is that commandment.

 

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to theLord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

 

Exodus 20

 

Good Friday - Hero to Criminal

Station 14

The cross was such a heavy load for Jesus that soldiers had to force a passer-by, Simon, a Libyan, to carry the cross behind Jesus.  Legend says that Jesus fell down under the weight of the cross three times.  Take a rock now and hold it.  What loads are you carrying deep inside?  Work pressures?  Worries about money?  Fears?  Illness?  Ask God to show you those worries that you particularly need to let go of, then take the rock with you as you go.  Pray over the worries for a while, then place the rock at the foot of the cross and as you do, try to give that burden to God.

 

Children: Jesus needed someone to carry his cross for him because it was too heavy.  Sometimes our problems can make us feel like we are carrying heavy things, we can have lots of things to worry about.  Imagine your worries are this rock and as you take it to the cross, pray about it and leave it at the cross.

 

Station 15

Just sit at the cross for a while, spend some time with God, talking about whatever you wish.  “With a smiling face, Jesus looked at his side… there he showed me a place, beautiful and delightful, large enough for all saved humanity to rest in peace and love… And as I looked, he showed me his heart, broken in two… He helped me to understand, a little, anyhow, how God was teaching us poor souls, to appreciate the Eternal Love of God that has no beginning or end.  At the same time, our Good Lord said, most beautifully, “See how I have loved you.”’ (Paraphrased from Dame Julian of Norwich.)

 

Children: When Jesus died on the cross he was showing how much he loved and cared for us and that he would always love and care for us.  Take a moment to sit next to the cross and talk to Jesus, tell him anything that you are thinking about, he loves it when we talk with him.

 

 

Station 16

‘Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing!’

These are the words Jesus cried out as they were banging the nails into his palms.  Sometimes, it is very hard to forgive, especially when we are still hurting.  But when we are wounded by someone, Jesus is hurt too.  Hold a nail in one of your hands, and ask God to give you the strength to be able to forgive they way he did.

 

You may also want to look at the children’s activity and do that as well.

 

Children: Although some people thought that when Jesus died on the cross it would be the end they were wrong.  It was actually the beginning of something very special.  Use the lollypop sticks to make a cross shape and take it home with you.  Thank God for all he has done.  When you go home and look at the cross you can remember the love that lasts forever.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

 Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort.And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

 They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, ‘The King of the Jews.’ And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left.Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!’ In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.’ Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

The Death of Jesus

 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’ Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’

 There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

The Burial of Jesus

 When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time.When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

 

Maundy Thursday - the Bread and the Wine

Station 11

 

On the night before Jesus died he set an example for his disciples by washing their feet.  The Son of God, on his knees in the dust.  He taught us and them an important lesson – that heavenly strength and growth comes, not by politics, not by ruling with force, but by loving God and serving others.  We can all remember that we are Christ’s servants, by following our Master’s example.  Remembering that everything we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Jesus himself.   While you are at this station maybe you could take the time to wash your hands in the bowl of water.  While remembering different ways we could show our love for God and ways we could serve others.

 

Children: Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to show to them that his followers, that includes us, can love others and do good things for people.  As you wash your hands in the bowl of water, with the help of an adult, maybe you can think of how you can show love to others and what good things you could do for people.

John 13

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

 

 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you?You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am.So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfil the scripture, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.’

 

 

 

Station 12

 

The night before he died, Jesus went to pray at the Mount of Olives.  He cried out to God in anguish, asking him to take the cup of suffering away from him.  But then he added ‘Yet not my will but yours be done’.  Add some water to a cup from the jug.  Sip the water from the cup.  Think about the pain of that moment and the anguish that Jesus went through.  Now think of someone who is afraid today, someone who is going through the process of making an agonising decision, who knows that doing the ‘right thing’ will be difficult.  Pray for them now, and if you want write their name on a piece of paper and put it under the cup.

 

Children: The night before he died Jesus was worried and scared as he prayed to God.  Are there any moments where you have been scared or lonely?  Thank God for those that care about you, for example your family and friends.

Mark 14

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

 They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour?Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’

 

Station 13

 

Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave.  The temple guard arrested Jesus while he was in the garden and took him to the house of the high priest to be tried.  Touch the chains and think about the many prisoners in the world today.  As you hold the chains think of some of the innocent prisoners in the world (those arrested for things that are legal in our country).  Imagine being a prisoner in this world, feeling trapped because of something done to you or by you.

Mark 14

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.’All of them deserted him and fled.

 A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked. 

Children: Jesus was put in chains when arrested.  People in other countries can be put in chains or put in prisons for things they didn’t do or get punished for believing in Jesus.  As you hold the padlock think of those who might be facing punishment for loving Jesus.

Wednesday - Like a Lamb

Station 9

 

It was on the Wednesday of Holy Week that Judas agreed to betray Jesus.  He went to the chief priests and asked them what they would be willing to give him if he betrayed Jesus.  The agreed price was thirty silver coins.  Although Wednesday seems a quieter day in the week, with less events we still have this betrayal, a significant moment in the crucifixion story.  As you run your hands through the coins think of the temptation Judas had.  Are there times when you face temptation to do things you know are wrong? Maybe you could take this moment to ask God for the strength to get through these moments and commit your struggles to him.

 

Children: It was on this day that Judas promised to give Jesus to be arrested.  Judas was paid thirty silver coins.  Sometimes others at school or things around us can make us want to do things that are wrong, that is called temptation.  Jesus also experienced temptation. Take a look at the coins, like the coins that were given to Judas.  Ask God to help you do right things and be able to cope with temptation.

 

 

Station 10

 

Also on the Wednesday Jesus had expensive perfume poured on him by a lady, she anointed him.  This was her way of displaying her love for him.  This also showed preparation for his death.  As you consider the days that are still to come in the week we are experiencing with Jesus, make a cross sign on your hand – or get someone to do it for you.  While you do this think of the preparation you are making in your experience of Jesus’ death.

In our video Rob Parsons talks about an anointing in Luke's Gospel which has parallels with a similar situation that occurred in teh days leading up to Jesus' death.  he discusses the ideas of love and forgiveness presented in the story.

 

Children: On the Wednesday Jesus had some perfume put on him by a lady, she thought Jesus was really special.  As you think about what is still to happen to Jesus during this week ask an adult to make the sign of a cross on your hand using the oil.

Mark 14:1-11

The Plot to Kill Jesus

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’

 

The Anointing at Bethany

 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, ‘Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.’ And they scolded her. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’

 

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

Tuesday - Walking in His Shoes

Station 6

On Tuesday in Holy Week Jesus spent time walking around Jerusalem, talking to people and teaching them.  This was a day of lots of parables and teachings.  One of the parables he told was The Parable of the Many Murders.  In this parable Jesus was predicting his death at the hands of his own people.  This was realised within the next four days. 

This parable can be viewed if you click on the words Parable of the Many Murders and then select the forward arrow.  While looking at this you may want to pray for all those going through difficult situations, struggling with feeling attacked by those around them.

 

Children: On Tuesday in Holy Week Jesus spent time walking around Jerusalem, talking to people and teaching them.  One of the parables (stories) he told was The Parable of the Many Murders.  Jesus was telling a story about his death.  Ask an adult to sit with you for the computer bit.   While looking at this you may want to pray for all those who feel scared and those who might be being bullied at school.

 

Station 7

It was also on this day that Jesus explained the greatest commandment, to love one another just as he has loved us.  It can be so easy in all we go through in our own worries or struggle to forget those who feel lonely and who are suffering.  There are lots of wars in the world and people struggling with money, food, medical care and other things that we may take for granted.  Maybe you could take time to pray for all these people. There is some information from charities that might aid your prayers.

 

If you want to do something active there are suggestions of random acts of kindness (small things of service that might make a big difference to someone’s life) on card that you could take home to remind you of what to do.

 

Children: It was also on this day that Jesus explained that we should love other people.  There are lots of people around the world that don’t have anyone being kind to them.  Maybe you can think of a way you could raise money for charity.  Maybe you can show kindness to the people you see today.  There are cards here that have suggestions of how to show someone kindness.  You could take this card home to remind you of what to do.

 

 

Station 8

Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids.  You might want to read the story from a bible, Matthew 25:1-13.  In this story Jesus taught that we should always be ready for him.  We do not know when he is coming back to earth.  You can light a candle to remind yourself that we will one day be able to experience eternal life with Jesus in heaven.

 

Children: Jesus told us that one day He will come back to earth and we will go to heaven.  With the help of an adult light a candle to remind you about Heaven and that we will be able to go one day.

Monday - Anger and Unrest in Jerusalem

Station 1

This is where our journey to the cross begins – with palms, coats laid on the ground, and ‘Hosannas’ filling the air.  The Messiah was coming into town.  People expected a political king, coming to kick out the Romans to take over the town. Think of the joy that people felt as they saw Jesus enter the town.  Maybe you can use this moment to remember a time when you have been overwhelmed with joy and thank God for that moment. Take a palm cross if you’d like one either now or at the end of your journey as you leave the church.

 

Children: We’re at the start of our journey, we’re about to see lots of interesting things in the church and follow the journey as Jesus did throughout the week.  It all started with words of joy and happiness as Jesus came into town.  People thought Jesus would be a fighter who would kick the Romans out of town.  Can you think of a time when you felt a lot of joy?  Thank God for that time.

 

 

Station 2

Days later, the same crowds were shouting, ‘Crucify!’ Today, in some ways nothing has changed.  We are still fickle with the famous, loving them one minute and hating them the next.  Look at the news reports scattered around and spend a couple of minutes now praying for those who are in the public eye, either because they want to be, or because they have suddenly been thrust into the news. 

 

Children: Although people were excited to see Jesus at first, later on they were angry with him and wanted him dead.  This led to Jesus being very sad and hurt.  If you look in the papers you can see others who might also be sad and hurt and need to be prayed for.

 

 

Station 3

In the bible, in Matthew 21:16 it says ‘The men said to Jesus, "Don't you hear what those children are saying?"

"Yes, I do!" Jesus answered. "Don't you know that the Scriptures say, `Children and infants will sing praises'?"’

Children were hugely important to Jesus and he knew how special they were.  The children also knew how special Jesus was.  A lot of different children use this church, including toddler groups, scouts, guides, cubs, beavers and junior church children.  Maybe you would like to think of a particular child that you can pray for who uses this church building or a child from the local area.  Feel free to write a name or initials on a post it note and add it to the reading.

Children: Jesus thought that children like you were really special.  He loved to spend time with children and saw them as friends.  Do you have a best friend or a couple of best friends that you could pray for?  You can write their name or draw a picture of them on a post it note and add it to the piece of paper with the reading on.

 

 

Station 4

On the Monday of Holy week Jesus went into the temple and saw the way that His father’s house was being treated.  There were people trading and running markets in a holy place of worship.  This made Jesus very angry and in response he turned over the tables and drove the people from the temple.  Take a look at the image of Jesus angry and use this time to read the story from Mark 11:12-18.

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard it.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, ‘Is it not written,
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”?
   But you have made it a den of robbers.’ 
And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching.

  Sometimes we can think of Jesus as just a kind, caring man but he also showed other emotions.  He led a human life and felt real emotions.  You can use this time to just look at the image of Jesus and pray for those who make you angry.

 

Children: Jesus worshipped God in the temple a bit like the way we worship God in the church building. When he went to the temple, however, he saw things he did not like. There were men selling animals and running markets. Jesus was very angry and turned over the tables and forced the people out. He was angry because it was a place of worship. To remember this day in Jesus’ life you can colour in the picture.  You can either take the picture home with you or you could leave it at church.

 

 

Station 5

 

During the Monday of Holy week Jesus was hungry, while on his work he saw a fig tree that was bearing no fruit.  He cursed this fig tree and it withered in response.  Jesus told his disciples that if we have faith and do not doubt then we could do the same and other things and in fact all our prayers will be answered.

 

Maybe there is a situation in your own life that you don’t think can change, or a characteristic you wish you didn’t have.  Feel free to write on a piece of fig shaped card something about the situation or characteristic that you would like to change and hang it on a branch of the dead tree.  Maybe you can look at the tree that is alive while you share your prayer with God. 

 

Children: Jesus made a tree wither and die when it did not have any fruit on it.  Nature is something that God created that we can all enjoy.  Is there some bit of nature you want to thank God for creating?  Maybe you could write a name or draw a picture of it on a piece of card and hang it on the tree.  Take time to look at the tree that is still alive as you thank God for all he has created.

Sunday - A Hero's Procession

Come and follow in the footsteps of Jesus as he arrives in Jersualem.

9-00 am Sunday Special - breakfast with our children

10-30  Be part of the action, be part of the excitement as Jesus entered Jerusalem.

6-30 Evening Meditation with Holy Communion led by Highbury Choir.

We shall be asking the question, what kind of triumphal entry did Jesus make into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday?

It is a question addressed by Richard Collins as he talks about Jesus' rather unusual entrance into Jerusalem.  He discusses the significance of the event in terms of telling us about the kind of king that Jesus is, and the kind of kingdom into which he calls us.

Luke 19:28-42 tells of that first Palm Sunday.   We will be reflecting on the way the crowds take up the song the angels sang when the shepherds first heard of the birth of Jesus, Saviour of the world.

Then, the angels sang

Glory to God in highest heaven

and on earth peace

Now the crowds greet Jesus with the cry,

Peace in heaven and

Glory in the highest heaven.

As he sees Jerusalem, Jesus is moved to tears for it is a city that has failed to recognised the things that make for peace.

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
‘Blessed is the king
   who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
   and glory in the highest heaven!’ 
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

 As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.