Across the Pastor’s Desk by the Rev. Cherie Daniel

Freeborn Congregational

United Church of Christ

Alden United Methodist Church

Grace United Methodist Church

 

There’s a big parade on Sunday! Crowds of people will be there. There will be animals and cheering and a band. Everyone is invited. All people are welcome. There will be no rain, but signs of a storm will be showing up. This promises to be a day to remember!

I do like parades. The streets are cleared of all vehicles — no parking along the route today. Second story windows are open and fortunate guests can watch the spectacle from a unique perch. Children are allowed to run up and down the street in front of dozens of strangers — and be safe. People spread blankets or set up lawn chairs on the edge of the sidewalk where they can sit and be comfortable for the duration.

The local police officer drives an official car with lights flashing — to let watchers know the entertainment is about to begin. The local honor guard follows, and all stand to salute the flag – caps off, hands over hearts, silent respect. And then, in a fancy new car or an especially well-kept antique one, the grand marshal appears with great smiles, waving to the multitudes.

And then the band. Members are smartly dressed, marching in unison, drumbeats supporting the rhythm of their steps. Music blares. On the sidelines, babies get bounced to the beat of the stirring music. People clap along, too, and then appreciative applause breaks out when that final row of bass drums has passed.

There are smiling people of all ages marching, or unicycling or stunt-car driving, or riding in floats down the middle of a main thoroughfare. Some folks are driving wagons, or riding horses or pulling their pets in little red wagons behind them. Many are in costumes. All are celebrating.

And almost all of them have something to share!

The fire department volunteers, and their children throw candy from the top of the newest and oldest trucks. Politicians distribute pamphlets almost outlining their agendas. Bank employees may pass out pennies or balloons with their corporate logo. If you happen to be at a parade in Le Mars, Iowa, the ice cream capital of the world, you might even get an ice cream bar handed to you from a Wells Blue Bunny agent. Spectators may receive a circus ticket from a clown, a coupon from the new tanning salon or even a brand-name plastic advertising bag to put all the other goodies in for the trip back home.

There is something almost magical about a parade.

Yes, there’s a big parade on Sunday! Crowds of people will line the route. There are no street cleaners, so the spectators will strip branches from the trees and even remove their cloaks from their backs and will place them on the roadway — red carpet fashion — so the grand marshal may be welcomed in style. There will be animals — a donkey and her colt — upon which the grand marshal will ride. A band of mismatched disciples will follow, stirring up the crowd into rhythmic chants of “Hosanna!”  “Hosanna!”

Yes, there is something almost magical about this particular parade.

Children will wave and laugh and draw near to the grand marshal. Sojourners from towns and countries far and wide will feel a connection and find a purpose for their gathering. Blessings will be bestowed to all in attendance. The excitement is contagious!

And when the grand marshal enters the center of town, turmoil and confusion ensue. Those who are a few rows back, who cannot see, who are new to the area and do not know the grand marshal, will ask, “Who is this?” And the joyous people in the crowd will respond, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee! Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

You don’t want to miss this parade!