Hosanna

On Palm Sunday, many congregations sing a hymn written for children but loved by adults, too.  Jeanette Threlfall,  an Englishwoman, composed “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” in 1873.

Threlfall’s parents died when she was still very young, so she was sent from one relative to another. She also had two serious accidents during childhood, leaving her disabled.

Threlfall handled her difficulties by developing  a  beautiful, cheerful character.   She was more concerned about others than herself. People loved to visit her because they left feeling uplifted and joyous.  Threlfall became known for her sacred poems and hymns.  Many are considered classics, filled with sound doctrine and fervent devotion.

Here is the first stanza of her Palm Sunday anthem:
Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang.

To Jesus, who had blessed them close folded to his breast,
The children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.