Please
read Matthew 21:1-11.
In today’s text, we read Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Meditating
on the text and occasion, Bishop Theodulf of Orleans,
France wrote the hymn in 820 A.D. – almost 12 centuries ago! That too
imprisoned! As far as I know, this is the oldest hymn that is sung in churches.
(If you know of any that are older please post a reply.)
Bishop Theodulf was falsely accused of not being
loyal to King Louis I and was put in prison. One day in prison, he was
meditating on the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. (More on the
triumphal entry later) He then wrote a hymn. There is even a legend that King
Louis I heard the song and released the Bishop. The current hymn uses music composed
in the 16th century and the mid-1800s English translation by John M.
Neale.
Enjoy a couple of versions –
Here in one by Sir Cliff Richard (not the best
recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN_cw2FcFVs
Heavenly Father, I
thank you for blessing me with great hymn writers, musicians, and singers who
inspire and teach me to praise you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
