The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-- the King of Israel!" (John 12:12-13 NRSV)
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. We sing the hymn “All Glory Laud and Honor” as we celebrate Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem. It is important to remember that this procession turns quickly into the events of Holy Week – the upper room, to Gethsemane, to the judgment Hall and finally to the cross. The reason Jesus enters Jerusalem is to die on the cross for us that we might know life eternally with Him.
All Glory Laud and Honor “was written approximately AD 820 by Bishop Theodolph of Orleans, France, while he was imprisoned at the monastery of Angers. Theodolph was well known in his day as a poet, pastor, and beloved bishop of Orleans. When Emperor Charlemagne died in 814, the bishop was put into a monastic prison by Charlemagne’s son and successor, Louis I the Pious, for allegedly plotting against him. A well-known legend has long been associated with this hymn. It is believed by many that a short time before the bishop’s death in 821, Louis was visiting in the area where the bishop was imprisoned and by chance passed under his cell. The bishop is said to have been singing and worshiping by himself. When the emperor heard this particular text being sung, he was so moved by the incident that he immediately ordered the bishop’s release.”1
1. Osbeck, Kenneth W., Amazing Grace (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1990, 2002), pg. 120.
All Glory Laud and Honor
All glory, laud, and honor To you, redeemer, king,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the king of Israel And David's royal Son,
Now in the Lord's name coming, Our King and Blessed One.
The company of angels Are praising you on high;
Creation and all mortals In chorus make reply.
(By St. Theodolph of Orleans, c. 821)
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