Keeping A Holy Vigil

“. . .and darkness covered the face of the deep. . .”
“. . .and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves. . .”
“. . .see the deliverance that the LORD will accomplish for you today. . .”
“. . .listen, so that you may live. . .”
“. . .and you shall know that I am the LORD. . .”
“Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish.”
“. . .there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.”

In our day and time, churches will be packed for Easter Sunday because it is thought of as the most significant date on the church calendar. St. Augustine would not have concurred. He called the Easter Vigil “the mother of all holy vigils” for on this night “the whole world is awake and watchful.”

We gather in the courtyard around a fire then enter into the darkened nave to hear the story of creation. Next we hear many of the Old Testament’s great narratives of God protecting and nurturing his people: the devastation of a great flood followed by a fresh beginning, the parting of the Red Sea as God’s people passed through it unharmed and then witnessed the destruction of their enemies, Abraham making the journey to sacrifice the son he loved, Jonah praying from the belly of a fish, and finally three men being rescued from a fiery furnace.

We celebrate these stories with musical responses: hymns sung by the assembly, handbell anthems, and music by the Festival Choir.

This is a night to listen and proclaim, to remember our baptism, to celebrate the eucharist, and to sing “Alleluia!”

This is truly the most significant liturgy of the year. Please come to witness the “strong signs” and “powerful words” so that you may be sent into the world proclaiming the good news! Remember to bring a bell (any size, shape, or color) to be rung as the altar candles are lit and we sing joyfully “This is the feast of victory for our God!”

The Easter Vigil is Saturday, April 7th, at 7:00 p.m. Remember your bell!