A Timeless Hymn of Childlike Praise Welcoming the King
The Hosanna, Loud Hosanna is a classic Christian hymn celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Discover the story behind this joyful Palm Sunday song, its biblical foundation, a devotional reflection, and a prayer inspired by praise and expectation—perfect for worship, family devotion, and the Easter season.
“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” is a beloved classic hymn that invites worshipers into the joyful scene of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In this new version, the hymn comes to life through a tender illustration of children waving palm branches, lifting their voices in praise as they welcome Jesus as King.
Their innocent joy, simple faith, and wholehearted worship reflect the purity of praise that once filled the streets of Jerusalem—and still speaks powerfully to our hearts today.
More than a century ago, in 19th-century England, a gentle hymn was born—one that would echo the voices of children across generations.
The hymn was written in 1873 by Jeannette Threlfall, a woman whose life was marked by physical suffering but deep spiritual insight. As a young woman, Threlfall was involved in a serious accident that left her disabled for life. Though her outward circumstances were greatly changed, her faith was not diminished. Instead, her trust in God deepened, and she devoted her life to writing hymns and devotional poetry—many especially for children.
It was during this season that she reflected on the Palm Sunday story—the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The streets were filled with crowds shouting “Hosanna,” yet what captured her heart most was not the noise of the masses, but the voices of children.
She imagined them running ahead of Jesus, waving palm branches, singing with joy, unburdened by fear or doubt. While adults debated, questioned, and misunderstood who Jesus was, the children praised Him freely—recognizing Him as King with simple faith.
From that reflection came Hosanna, Loud Hosanna—a hymn that gently reminds us that true worship does not require status, strength, or certainty, but a willing and joyful heart.
Today, this hymn continues to be sung around the world, especially during Palm Sunday, calling believers of every age to worship Jesus with the same humility, joy, and sincerity as those children long ago.
The hymn is firmly rooted in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry:
Matthew 21:8–9
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’”
Matthew 21:15–16
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant… ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.’”
The hymn beautifully echoes this biblical truth: God delights in the praise of children, and their worship is powerful in His sight.
(Verse 1)
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.
(Verse 2)
From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.
(Verse 3)
"Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice.
(Verse 1)
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
(Verse 2)
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
(Verse 3)
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
(Verse 4)
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
Lord Jesus,
We welcome You as our King—not only with our voices, but with our lives.
Teach us to worship You with the simple, joyful faith of a child.
When our hearts grow heavy or distracted, remind us how freely those children praised You on the road to Jerusalem.
Help us to lay down our pride, our fears, and our expectations,
and to lift up palms of praise, trusting You completely.
May our worship be sincere, our praise wholehearted,
and our lives a reflection of Your love and humility.
Hosanna in the highest.
You are our Savior, our King, and our everlasting hope.
Amen.
“From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.”
— Matthew 21:16
As we sing Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, we are invited to step into the crowd of Palm Sunday—not as distant observers, but as worshipers. May we, like those children, recognize Jesus for who He truly is and praise Him with hearts full of joy, trust, and love.
👉 Listen • Sing • Welcome the King
