Holy Week Years ABC
Great Vigil of Easter

Great Vigil of Easter

The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the oldest known rites of the Christian church, dating back to the second century. It brings worshippers, literally and symbolically, from darkness into light. 

The service is comprised of four parts: 

1. the kindling of the new fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle; 

2. the reading of lessons recounting the many ways in which God has saved and restored his people; 

3. receiving new Christians into the body of the Church through the sacrament of Baptism, or renewal of Baptismal vows; and 

4. reuniting the people of God with the Body of the risen Christ by celebrating the first Eucharist of Easter. 

After weeks of penitence, preparation, and reflection, more joyful elements return to the liturgy. The Exsultet,  a chant almost as old as the Easter Vigil itself, invites us to rejoice in Christ’s triumph over death and redemption of the world; and the word alleluia (“Praise the Lord”)—which has not been spoken during the past 40 days of Lent—is proclaimed enthusiastically, and will remain in acclamations, fractions, hymns, and dismissals throughout Eastertide. 

Lighting of the Paschal Candle 

In the darkness, fire is kindled.

Celebrant: 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 celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.

Let us pray.

O God, through your Son you have bestowed upon your people the brightness of your light: Sanctify this new fire, and grant that in this Paschal feast we may so burn with heavenly desires, that with pure minds we may attain to the festival of everlasting light; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Paschal Candle is then lighted from the newly kindled fire, and the Deacon bearing the candle leads the procession to the chancel, pausing three times, with the Celebrant singing, and the congregation responding each time.

When the congregation is in the sanctuary, the Paschal Candle is placed in its stand, and the assisting clergy pass light for the congregational candles from the Paschal Candle.

The exsultet is sung. (Sandi's version of the exsultet. Alternate version of exsultet by Tom Kendzia)

The Celebrant introduces the Scripture readings, saying

Let us hear the record of God’s saving deeds in history, how he saved his people in ages past; and let us pray that our God will bring each of us to the fullness of redemption.

The commandments of Life (Seven)

Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4  (image)

Story by Martha E Herchak and Stephen P Herchak

Sing: "Open your ears, O faithful people"

Precentor:   Christ is the wisdom of God.
Response:   Christ has the words of eternal life
Precentor:   Let us pray that God will reveal his ways of wisdom to the proud and powerful.
Silence

Precentor:   Blessed are you, Lord, God of our salvation. You share your wisdom with the forsaken and open to us the way of life. Give us wisdom, strength and understanding, that we may shine with the light of your glory and glow with gladness for you, O Lord, our maker and redeemer. Amen. 

The following selections complete the liturgical scripture for this most holy day.

Romans 6:3-11 (died with Christ, live with Christ) (image)

Psalm 114 (tremble at the presence of the Lord) (image)

Sing: "Gloria of the Bells" (meas. 4:20) by Peloquin

Year A: Matthew 28:1-10 (Jesus appears to women) (image)
Year B: Mark 16:1-8 (Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, and Salome greet angel outside the tomb) (image)
Year C: Luke 24:1-12 (Mary Magdalene tells disciples but they cannot believe) (image)

Editor's note: the following are potential lessons to be used at the Great Vigil but these are not included in this presentation: Genesis 22:1-18 [Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac]; Isaiah 55:1-11 [Salvation offered freely to all]; Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 [Learn wisdom and live].

Reflection: Paul’s claim about Christ Jesus in 1 Corinthians 15 is a creed: Christ died, was buried, was raised, and appeared to many disciples and finally to Paul, who writes, “by the grace of God I am what I am” (v. 10). If you were to say those words of yourself, what would it mean that everything about you—all you are and have done—is “by the grace of God”? Where is God’s grace evident in your life today?