The Lenten sermon series that we have been meditating on includes a sermon for this night where the historic Christian Church has always celebrated the Vigil of Easter. Traditionally, it is celebrated at the end of Holy Saturday as the conclusion of the sacred Triduum, and ushers in the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord on Easter Sunday. In some places, the people of God would hold vigil, which means keep watch, through the night in expectation of Christ’s return. The candlelight vigil consists of prayer, psalms and hymns, and readings especially from the Old Testament, culminating with the celebration of the resurrection at dawn with the Lord’s Supper.
The Vigil of Easter is comprised of six parts:
- The Service of Light;
- The Service of Readings;
- The Service of Holy Baptism;
- The Service of Prayer;
- The Service of the Word; and
- The Service of the Sacrament.
Concerning the Service of Readings, although all twelve readings may be used, at a minimum, the Creation, Flood, Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea, and Fiery Furnace are always read. Following each reading the appointed Collect would be prayed. Appropriate psalms or canticles may follow each collect.
The Creation: Genesis 1:1–2:3 (or 1:1–3:24)
The Flood: Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13
The Testing of Abraham: Genesis 22:1-18
Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea: Exodus 14:10–15:1
Salvation Offered Freely to All: Isaiah 55:1-11
A New Heart and a New Spirit: Ezekiel 36:24-28
God’s Faithfulness to Israel: Deuteronomy 31:19-30
The Valley of Dry Bones: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Job Confesses the Redeemer: Job 19:20-27
Jonah Preaches to Nineveh: Jonah 3:1-10
The Gathering of God’s People: Zephaniah 3:12-20
The Fiery Furnace: Daniel 3:1-30
During the Service of the Word, the Holy Gospel from either Mark 16:1-8, or John 20:1-18 are read.
The theme for the Vigil for this day is “For Us He Rose from Death Again” based upon Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the fourth chapter.