In this special feature we'll take a look at a selection of choral anthems that lead us through the most significant events of Holy Week and prepare us for the celebration of Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Below, we'll explore the themes of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday – and provide some helpful song suggestions for these important days of observation and worship.
Palm Sunday is observed on the Sunday before Easter, and it commemorates Christ's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem–before His arrest on Maundy Thursday and His crucifixion on Good Friday. All four Gospels tell of the crowds that welcomed Jesus as they waved palm branches and laid them in His path. They shouted, "Hosanna" as He passed by.
Maundy Thursday is observed on the Thursday before Easter. It takes its name from the Latin word, 'mandatum' or 'command,' which refers to Christ's instructions to His disciples at the Last Supper. In John 13:34, we read, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." On Maundy Thursday, we take Communion, we remember Jesus' words to His disciples and His act of humility as He washed their feet.
Good Friday is the 6th day of Holy Week, and it marks the most important and historical weekend of the year. It is the reason we have Easter Sunday and celebrate the Resurrection. In the days following Christ's death on that historical Friday, He rose again, and ever since, His Resurrection has been proclaimed throughout the world!
The following choral anthems include SATB and 2-part arrangements by Dennis Allen, Kyle Hill, John Patrick, Jeff Lippencott, Regi Stone, and others. Ranging from easy to medium difficulty and from traditional to contemporary, these choral worship anthems will fit well in any worship setting throughout Holy Week.
Palm Sunday
SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
Prepare the Way
Arranged by Dennis Allen
Dennis Allen's dramatic (and rhythmic!) 4-part call to "Prepare the Way" is an excellent choice for Palm Sunday or for a sermon about John the Baptist. A piece with a flexible style, this song would work well in traditional, blended, and contemporary settings alike.
SATB (EASY)
Enter In
Arranged by Terry Winch
With SATB choir and optional children's choir part, this inspirational arrangement makes a wonderful Palm Sunday anthem, asking the Lord to enter the gates of our hearts.
2-PART (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
Messiah Comes
Arranged by Kyle Hill
Arranged primarily for 2-part choir (with occasional 3-part accents), this upbeat and contemporary anthem proclaims that the cries of "Hosanna" are just as relevant for us today as they were on Palm Sunday.
SATB (EASY)
Blessed Is He
Arranged by Dennis Allen
Dennis Allen's upbeat yet elegant anthem has an optional children's choir part (1st verse) to incorporate your kids on Palm Sunday. Also available w/brass for Unlimited Members.
Maundy Thursday
SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
The Time Has Come
Arranged by David Lantz III
For a sacred/traditional context, this poignant anthem features soloist and SATB choir over a simple piano track (optional oboe part is included) to express Christ's willing sacrifice for sin. Maundy Thursday/Last Supper/Gethsemane theme.
SATB (EASY)
Bread of the World
Arranged by Don Michael Dicie
A traditional SATB arrangement of this communion hymn from Don Michael Dicie. Warm. Inviting. Moving.
SATB (EASY)
Remember
Arranged by John Patrick
This rich representation of the first Communion for SATB choir, featuring a substantial solo sang from the perspective of Jesus, includes an extended instrumental section for distribution of the elements. Serves well in blended and contemporary settings.
Good Friday
SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
In the Shadow of the Cross
Arranged by Jeff Lippencott
For traditional and blended worship settings, this elegant and expansive SATB anthem powerfully celebrates the light and life we find in Christ's sacrifice.
SATB (EASY)
Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed
Arranged by Dennis Allen
This beautiful 4-part vocal arrangement of this majestic hymn works in a traditional or blended service.
SATB (EASY)
It Was Finished on the Cross
It Was Finished on the Cross (w/ video track)
Arranged by Regi Stone, Kristie Braselton
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift of all Jesus accomplished on the cross! Arranged for a SATB choir and soloist or worship leader, this song serves well in blended and contemporary settings any time of year. [Lyric video accompaniment track available to Unlimited PLUS Members.]
