Easter Vigil
For centuries, Christians have kept vigil through prayer and worship during the hours leading up to Easter morning. Whether it is read at night on Holy Saturday or just before sunrise on Easter morning, this adaptation of the Great Vigil of Easter is meant to serve as a guide as we mark the end of our Lenten journey and celebrate the beginning of an even greater Easter feast.
Thanks be to God.
People:
Celebrant:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
The light of Christ.
(A candle representing the Paschal Candle is now lit.)
Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and honoring his Sacrifice, we share in his victory over death.
Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: sanctify this new fire, we pray, and so set us aflame with the fire of your love, that with pure hearts and kindled affections we may attain to the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant:
Everything begins in darkness. Seven candles are needed (one for each reading) plus an additional candle to serve as the Paschal Candle. One person is appointed as the Celebrant.
The Liturgy of Light
The Liturgy of The Word
This part of the Liturgy consists of 5 readings from the Old Testament and 2 from the New Testament. Not all readings are required to be read, but Exodus 14 and Mark 16 are considered essential. After each reading, a candle is lit and silence is kept.
Celebrant:
How holy is this night when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord. How blessed is this night when earth and heaven are joined, and humanity is reconciled to God.
Let us hear the record of God’s saving deeds in history, remembering how he saved his people in ages past and in the fullness of time sent his Son to be our Redeemer; and let us pray that God may bring to completion in each of us the saving work he has begun.
1. Gen 1:1-2:3
(Light first candle from the Paschal Candle. Silence is kept.)
2. Exodus 14:15–15:1
(Light second candle. Silence is kept.)
3. Isaiah 55:1-11
(Light third candle. Silence is kept.)
4. Ezekiel 37: 1-14
(Light fourth candle. Silence is kept.)
5. Romans 6:3-11
(Light fifth candle. Silence is kept.)
6. Mark 16:1-7
(Light sixth candle. Silence is kept.)
7. Zephaniah 3:12-20
(Light seventh candle. Silence is kept.)
The Liturgy of Praise
This marks the end of the Lenten Journey and the beginning of Easter. Songs may be sung (e.g. The Doxology) and the close of the liturgy is to be offered with glad hearts and a spirit of celebration.
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Celebrant:
People:
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The Liturgy of Feasting
Those who have been fasting are invited to break their fast at this time by keeping The Great Feast of Easter. This marks the beginning of a season of taking up good food and drink, singing songs, and giving gifts as we're able. This is our season of rejoicing through sorrow, of making many rich while we are poor, of possessing everything in the midst of so much loss.
"Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast!"