Easter Vigil | April 4
Good evening, Trinity Family & Friends,
The church gathers on this night made holy by the light of Christ’s resurrection. The people of God assemble around the new fire and the light of the paschal candle to hear the ancient Easter proclamation. The biblical stories that lead to the font are proclaimed. Baptism and/or baptismal renewal in the death and resurrection of Christ is celebrated. Then all gather at the Lord’s table where he reveals his risen presence in the breaking of bread.
Welcome as we gather to claim and proclaim the resurrection.
About the Easter Vigil
GATHERING—The Greeting
The first part of the service continues the darkness, which spread over
the world on Good Friday. At the conclusion of the greeting, the Church
is thrown into total darkness as a reminder of our sin.
Part ONE—The Service of Light
The first part of the service centers on the Light of the Risen Son,
conquering the dark night of sin and death. We see here a picture of
Christ’s
“pasch,” his “passage from death to life.” Nails and incense
grains placed in the candle remind us of the sacrifice of his life and
his continued prayers on our behalf. The Light of Christ is then shared
with all, followed with the singing of the Exsultet—the Easter
proclamation.
Part TWO—The Service of Vigil Readings
Key events from creation to redemption are read, reminding us of
the place we have in God’s salvation story.
Part THREE—The Service of Baptism
The third part focuses on the mystery of baptism, by which the Light
of Christ was first given to us. In Holy Baptism we were buried with
Christ into His death and raised again to new life. As the Holy Spirit
came to Mary to conceive Jesus, so it comes through the font to bring
new life to the Church. The candle is dipped into the water to
symbolize the resurrection power of baptism. Water is flung to the
North, South, East and West as a sign of the Good News for all peoples.
Part FOUR—The Holy Eucharist
The Easter Vigil comes quite naturally to its climax with the Holy
Eucharist —the joyful celebration of the children of God at the table
of their Risen Lord. Thus we see the beauty of the two Sacraments—
baptism and communion—given to the family of God, signs of His
continuing love and blessing.
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Hymns:
Baptismal Hymn: “We Know That Christ Was Raised” ELW #449
Text: John B. Geyer, b. 1932
Text © John B. Geyer
Entrance Hymn: “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” ELW #367
Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876-1947, alt.
Text © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
Hymn of the Day: “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” ELW #365
Text: Latin carol, 14th cent., sts. 1-3; tr. J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708, alt.;
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, st. 4
Anthem: “The Lord of Glory Lives” Pethel Choir
Sending Hymn: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today: Alleluia” ELW #369
Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane E. Leeson, 1807-1882, alt.
Readings:
The First Reading: Genesis 1:2:4a Creation
The Second Reading: Exodus 14:10-31: 15-20-21 Deliverance at the Red Sea
The Third Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11 Salvation freely offered to all
The Fourth Reading: Daniel 3:1-29 Deliverance from the fiery furnace
Part Four Reading: Romans 6:3-11 - We were incorporated into the death of Jesus Christ in baptism and so were liberated from the dominion of sin. We also anticipate that we will be incorporated into the resurrection of Christ and so will be liberated from the hold death has over our mortal bodies.
Gospel: John 20:1-18 - This morning begins with confusion: the stone has been moved and the tomb is empty. Disciples arrive, then angels, and finally Jesus himself. Out of the confusion, hope emerges, and a weeping woman becomes the first to confess her faith in the risen Lord.
Liturgy reprinted from “Evangelical Lutheran Worship”, copyright 2007
Augsburg Fortress, used by permission of license #14280-Lit;
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