This year, Purim falls on Palm Sunday. This seems strange and a bit odd to me, but I have been thinking about what the two might have in common. Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. People were waving palm branches and crying out “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). The events that follow this great parade, though, include Jesus cursing a fig tree, turning the tables over in the temple, and once again being confronted by the scribes, priests, and elders. The events that transpired in the rest of the week lead up to the Passion of Jesus, who saved the world from sin.
The story of Esther begins with a beauty pageant. It turns ugly when a palace official becomes enraged over another man’s unwillingness to compromise his moral values. As a retribution he develops a plan to destroy an entire group of people. The plan ultimately is discovered by the moral man, and another plan is set in motion so that those who would be destroyed could be saved.
At the end of story (spoiler alert) there is a great celebration as the Jews were allowed to defend themselves and were not all destroyed. The celebration is known as Purim (Feast of Lots). During the feast, people dress up in costumes, often characters from the story, the story is read and whenever the name of Haman is read there is lots of noisemakers, booing and hissing! It is much like an old-fashioned melodrama!
At the end of the Lenten season there is much rejoicing and celebrating that Jesus arose from the grave, ascended into heaven and lives today. He conquered death and sin and offers new, eternal life to all who believe in him as Savior and Lord.
The signs of the times indicate that God is moving in a new and fresh way to those who are calling on him. The symbols of the celebration of Purim and during the season of Lent, prayer and fasting, help us connect our faith to everyday experiences.
Almsgiving is a significant way to demonstrate the love of God in our lives. As part of Purim celebrations gifts of food are shared with neighbors and friends. Helping those in need is also part of this gift-giving. Contributing to charitable organizations that help those in need is another way to do this. I know it makes me happy to give gifts of food! Traditional foods for Purim are Hamantaschen and Haman’s Ears. Both are pastry cookies that are fun to make and delicious to eat! (See my videos on my website for recipe and instructions).
I hope you see that this season of Lent is not all doom and gloom but is a path to the joy and gladness that we will celebrate soon! This may be a time of going through trials, but remember that “He knows the course I have traveled. And I believe that were He to prove me, I would come out purer than gold from the fire. My foot has been securely set in His tracks; I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have valued everything He says more than all else” (Job 23:10, 11).
Shalom!
P.S. There is still time to help support those still in need in Israel.
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