Friday, April 7, 2017

Seven Not-in-any-Particular-Order Reasons to Experience the Easter Vigil


Darkness
The Testing of Abraham by Lauren Sohacki
The service begins outside where the new fire is lit, passed to the Paschal candle (also called the Christ candle), and from there passed to individual worshipers.  We move into the darkened church, encircle the pews, and give thanks for the light of Christ.








The Exultet (also called the Easter Proclamation)

Forms of this chant, led by the Cantor, have been sung in Christian churches for seventeen centuries!  Today’s Lutheran version includes dialogue between the cantor and the assembly as they sing, “This is the night!” together. 

The Vigil Readings
The Old Testament is full of stories of God protecting and providing for God’s people.  We’ll hear many of them tonight.  Our tradition is to present the readings through poetry, dance, art, drama, and any other means that will convey the story.  Each story is followed by a musical response that may take the form of a hymn, psalm, or music by the choir.
Lisa Brott danced the Creation story in 2013

Bells!
In Lutheran tradition, the gospel acclamation is a communal act.  For the Vigil, our acclamation starts with the joyful ringing of bells as the lights come up in the nave and the altar candles are lit.  The organ crescendoes to join the bells. With happy voices we all sing “This is the feast of victory for our God!”

Baptism
The Easter Vigil is a unique time for baptism.  One of the things that happens during Lent is preparing new Christians for baptism.  Even if none are held, we can all take the time to remember our own baptism and be thankful.

Alleluia Returns to Worship
On Transfiguration Sunday we buried the alleluia.  It has been sitting in a box under the altar these past forty days, so it’s especially joyful when sung during the gospel acclamation.


Communion
Our worship during “The Three Days” reminds us that Christ calls us to love one another, takes us through the passion, then proclaims the resurrection.  Can you think of a better way to complete this journey than gathering as an “Easter people” around the table of the Lord?

Conclusion

It is likely that the sunrise service grew out of the Vigil tradition.  In many places the Vigil began at sundown and lasted into the early hours of the morning – we will be done a lot sooner than that! This is truly the most celebrative liturgy of the year. Please come and be a part – and don’t forget to bring a bell!

Saturday night, April 15th, at 7:00 p.m.