The Pinnacle of Christ's First Advent: The Triumphal Entry

The Advent hymn "Prepare the Royal Highway" (LSB 343) is also appropriate for Palm Sunday. It's appropriate because the pinnacle of Christ's first Advent was His entrance into Jerusalem, because from this point, there was no turning back. He was on the highway to the cross, to give forgiveness, life and salvation to all who trust in Him!

This Advent hymn immediately ties to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to the shouts of "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9)

Jesus is not a king according to the pattern of this present world for "His is no earthly kingdom; It comes from heaven above. His rule is peace and freedom And justice, truth, and love."

1 Prepare the royal highway;
The King of kings is near!
Let ev’ry hill and valley
A level road appear!
Then greet the King of Glory
Foretold in sacred story: Refrain

ref Hosanna to the Lord,
For He fulfills God’s Word!

2 God’s people, see Him coming:
Your own eternal king!
Palm branches strew before Him!
Spread garments! Shout and sing!
God’s promise will not fail you!
No more shall doubt assail you! Refrain

ref Hosanna to the Lord,
For He fulfills God’s Word!

3 Then fling the gates wide open
To greet your promised king!
Your king, yet ev’ry nation
Its tribute too should bring.
All lands, bow down before Him!
All nations, now adore Him! Refrain

ref Hosanna to the Lord,
For He fulfills God’s Word!

4 His is no earthly kingdom;
It comes from heav’n above.
His rule is peace and freedom
And justice, truth, and love.
So let your praise be sounding
For kindness so abounding: Refrain

ref Hosanna to the Lord,
For He fulfills God’s Word!

Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Used by permission: CPH Limited Promotional License no. 119000000