"Jesus" processional recounted in Ephesians 4:8 and Colossians 2:15. Jesus descended into hell and then ascended, leading forth the captives along with disarmed rulers and authorities. It was a cultural privilege of the conquering king to lead the freed captives and the captured enemies through the streets of his capital, honoring the former POW's and further humiliating the enemy.

Pageantry prepares us for throne-room worship of eternity by reminding us of the awesome scope of our God as shadowed in some of the examples. It also proclaims the sovereignty of our God and King. Showing forth His light displaces the darkness. Moving sacred objects through the air invades the domain of the Prince of the Powers of the Air, proclaiming to that prince and to all his minions that we know Whose we are and Who we serve. Ephesians 3:9-10 tells us that we are to be members of "the fellowship of the mystery", and that we are to proclaim the manifold wisdom of God to even the principalities and powers in heavenly places. This is a mission that we have been given. Think of the Marches for Jesus around the world that have also shown forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Pageantry is a God-ordained way for the church to rejoice and worship. Jeremiah 31:13 quotes our God: "Then the virgin shall rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy, And will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow." It was customary for the closest of kin to lead out in celebration and triumphant reception of the hero. Miriam danced and drummed, leading movement as worship and thanks after their deliverance through the Red Sea. Are we not the bride of the conquering Messiah? Knowing our past and from what we have been saved, we should be first in line to lead forth in such celebration!

One more important aspect of pageantry is that it allows the king to show the beauty of his queen. Environments display the riches and glory of a kingdom. In Esther 1:4-11 is the story of Ahasuerus and his queen, Vashti. Toward the end of the six month party (certainly massive in scope, but focused on the wrong throne, however), the king was "merry with wine" and ordered his seven

Should we restore the use of pageantry and processional to the church? By all means! Is it scriptural? Absolutely, God invented it! What does it do for our praise and worship other than beautify and give places for more people to serve? Is it more than just another program??

With good musical selection, good visual presentation, careful planning and much intercession, processionals bring us into the presence of the Lord in a unique and powerful way, through the eye gate, not just through the ears. Properly prepared processionals allow us to bring a visual praise offering to complement our musical offerings. Pageantry can stir up what some might call "the spirit of worship" in a congregation while imparting vision, portraying the truths and events of what God has done or is about to do in the heaven and on earth.

We believe that one verse of 2 Peter 2 really sums it up. We are to show forth the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Show forth. Proclaim such a glorious salvation. Our most extravagant worship and praise cannot even begin to express our profound gratitude at the extravagant gift of Messiah. Is "our reasonable service" anything less than our use of every available means of expression in honor of such a King?

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