A Traditional Service Of The Paschal Vigil

The following service is a creative adaptation of the traditional pattern and texts for the Easter Vigil. It will be of particular help for those who plan a more formal Easer Vigil service. For others, the commentary included with this service will provide a guide to thoughtful planning for the Advent season.

I. Service of Light Commentary: Since participation in this service becomes meaningful especially when worshipers are familiar with the complex nature and history of the service, congregations who are holding an Easter Vigil service for the first time should find a forum for informing worshipers about the service, perhaps through a church education session or newsletter. Easter Vigil is traditionally observed on either the Saturday evening before Easter or early on Easter morning. The visual environment for Easter Vigil should attempt to portray the poignant juncture between the remembrance of Christ's passion and the celebration of Easter. The symbols and colors of Holy Week may be present—the black and purple, the cross, thorns, and nails. But against this backdrop, the symbols and colors of Easter should predominate: the white and gold, the trumpets, empty tomb, and lilies. This juncture between Lent and Easter can be dramatized by beginning the service with the Lenten banners, paraments, and vestments and replacing or covering them by the Easter symbols as the service progresses toward its grand climax. This transformation can take place during the lighting of the paschal candle, the moments following baptismal renewal, the offertory, and the final reading of the Easter Gospel. The images that are uniquely important to the Easter Vigil service are light, water, and the heavenly banquet, with each mentioned frequently in the prescribed readings for the service. These symbols point to the key themes of the service—deliverance from bondage and union with Christ—and could appropriately be displayed on banners, paraments, or vestments. Gathering of the Congregation Commentary: The service may begin with the gathering of the congregation outside the worship space. The first portion of the service, through the lighting of the paschal candle, would then be held outside and be followed by a congregational processional into the worship space. If the congregation does gather in the worship space, the service may begin in silence. If instrumental, organ, or piano prelude music is played, it should retain the very quiet, reflective mood Holy Week. Post-service music, in contrast, should be celebrative and exuberant. Hymn Antiphon: "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," stanza 1 Cantor or Choir: Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands for our offenses given. But now at God's right hand he stands, and brings us life from heaven. Therefore let us joyful be, and sing to God right thankfully loud songs of Alleluia! Alleluia! Commentary: This sample service suggests the use of one verse from the hymn, "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands" at the beginning of each section of the service. Use of this hymn in this way serves as both a unifying device in the service and as an appropriate textual introduction to each section of the service. This hymn is particularly appropriate because the text of the hymn mirrors the structure of the service. In addition, the chant-like quality of this hymn tune is appropriate for the meditative nature of the service. This hymn-antiphon may be sung by the congregation, but can also be effectively sung by a small group of singers located some distance from the congregation, perhaps in the back corner of the balcony or transept of the worship space. Statement of Purpose Leader: Sisters and brothers in Christ: On this holy night, when our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, members of the Christian community, dispersed throughout the world, gather in vigil and prayer. We join with the whole company of God's people in recalling and celebrating his victory over death, and our deliverance from the bondage of sin and darkness to everlasting light. New Testament Reading: John 1:1, 4–5 Prayer People: Eternal Lord of life, through your Son you have given your people the brightness of your light. Sanctify this new fire, and kindle in our hearts and minds a holy desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ's rising until we feast at the banquet of eternal light; through Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness. Amen. Lighting of the Paschal Candle Leader: The light of Christ rises in glory, overcoming the darkness of sin and death. People: Thanks be to God! Commentary: The paschal candle (a large white candle, on which may be engraved the chi-rho) symbolizes the eternal victory of Jesus Christ over death, which brings light to our dark world of sin. This symbol is different from other candles, such as those used in an Advent wreath, because it is designed to focus on themes explicitly tied to Easter. Hence, the paschal candle is traditionally lit each Sunday of Eastertide through Pentecost. It may also be lit at every baptism, where the Christian community celebrates that Christians are "raised with Christ," and at every memorial or funeral service, where we celebrate Christ's victory over death. If the first part of the service is held outside the worship space, the congregational processional would begin at this point. During the processional, the entire congregation or a group of appointed singers may sing the acclamation, "The light of Christ; Thanks be to God." Canticle: "The Exultet" Commentary: After the Paschal candle is lit and all worship leaders and worshipers are in place, traditional Easter Vigil services include the singing of the fourth-century canticle, "The Exultet." The first option printed here is one translation of the ancient canticle that may be sung or read. Musical settings of the canticle are available in The Liturgical Year: The Worship of God, Supplemental Liturgical Resource 7 (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1992). The second is a rough metrical translation suitable for singing to the tune Tallis Canon. Third, the text printed here may be used in a choral reading by a group of voices. Fourth and finally, the hymn "Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies" may be substituted for the canticle, as it uses many of the same images.

Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout salvation for the victory of our mighty King.

Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth, bright with a glorious splendor for the darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King. Rejoice and be glad now, holy church, and let your holy courts, in radiant light, resound with the praises of your people. It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with our whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam's sin, and by his blood delivered your faithful people. This is the night, when you brought our forebears, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and lead them through the Red Sea on dry land. This is the night, when all who believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life. This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave. Holy Father, accept our evening sacrifice, the offering of this candle in your honor. May it shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find it ever burning—he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. [or]

O Christ, you are the Light and Day,

You drive our death and night away! We know you as the Light of light, Illuminating mortal sight. O sing you angels, now rejoice, To Christ, our Light, lift up your voice, Exult the Lord, our reigning king, With joyful hearts your worship bring. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

II. Service of the Word

Hymn Antiphon: "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," stanza 2 Cantor: It was a strange and dreadful strife when life and death contended. The victory remained with life; the reign of death was ended. Holy Scripture plainly says his death has swallowed up our death; Its sting is lost forever. Alleluia! Statement of Purpose Leader: Sisters and brothers in Christ, we now begin our solemn vigil. We hear the Word of God, recalling God's saving deeds in history and how God's own Son was sent to be our Redeemer. May the Holy Spirit illumine our hearts and minds in the hearing of his Word. Commentary: The following lessons trace the broad sweep of salvation history. Each of the events described in these Old Testament lessons is in some significant way an anticipation of or are fulfilled by Christ's victory on Easter. Information given to the congregation prior to the service should include a list of which readings are chosen and how they relate to Christ's resurrection. Because of time constraints, many congregations will choose not to incorporate the entire portion of the vigil service. Yet worship planners should remember that a vigil service is designed to capture that emotion or feeling that seems so elusive in modern culture—that of patient but earnest yearning for a given event. And the readings that precede the sacraments are essential to create this sense of longing or waiting. The following portion of the service may be shortened by excluding many of the musical responses to the readings. The readings from Genesis 1 and Exodus 14–15 are especially essential and should not be omitted. THE CREATION Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1–2:3 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Commentary: This response is based on the familiar Old Testament refrain found in many psalms and canticles (including Psalms 118 and 136). This verse is especially appropriate for Easter Vigil because of its frequent use within the Old Testament as a response to God's acts of creation and salvation. Worship planners may, however, wish to substitute a more familiar response (e.g., Leader: The Word of the Lord, People: Thanks be to God.) Psalm 33 Commentary: This Psalm may be sung by the congregation or choir. Metrical settings of this and other psalms can be found in A New Metrical Psalter (New York: Church Hymnal Corporation, 1984); The Psalter Hymnal (Grand Rapids: CRC Publications, 1987); Rejoice in the Lord (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985); Trinity Hymnal (Atlanta: Great Commission Publications, 1990); The Presbyterian Hymnal (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1990). Responsorial settings can be found in The Celebration Psalter (St. Louis: Cathedral Music Press, 1991); Psalm Refrains and Tones (Carol Stream, Ill.: Hope Publishing, 1988); Lead Me, Guide Me (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1987); Psalms for the Church Year, vols. 1–4 (Chicago: GIA Publications), United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville: Abingdon, 1989). Additional settings of the Psalms can be found in Psalms for Today and Songs from the Psalms (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1990). [or] Hymn: "All Creatures of Our God and King" "Morning Has Broken" Commentary: Each reading may be followed by a psalm or a hymn. The use of hymns tends to reinforce the New Testament appropriation of the Old Testament lessons, some with explicit reference to Christ's resurrection. Prayer People: Almighty and eternal God, you created all things in beauty and order. Help us now to perceive how still more wonderful is your new creation, in which you redeemed your people through the sacrifice of our Passover, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. THE COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND THE EARTH Old Testament Reading: Genesis 7:1–5, 11–18; 8:6–18; 9:8–15 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm 46 [or] Hymn: "A Mighty Fortress" "Your Are Our God; We Are Your People" Commentary: This second hymn, found in the Psalter Hymnal,is less familiar but perfectly suited to this lesson. Prayer People: Faithful God, you placed the rainbow in the skies as the sign of your covenant with all living things. May we who are saved through water and the Spirit, offer to you our sacrifice of thanksgiving with right hearts. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ABRAHAM'S OBEDIENCE Old Testament Reading: Genesis 22:1–18 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm 16 [or] Hymn: "You Are Our God; We Are Your People" Commentary: See the note to the last lesson. Prayer People: Gracious God of all believers, through Abraham's obedience you made known your faithful love to countless numbers, by the grace of Christ's sacrifice fulfill in your church and in all creation the joy of your promise and new covenant. Amen. ISRAEL'S DELIVERANCE AT THE RED SEA Old Testament Reading: Exodus 14:10–31; 15:20–21 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Canticle: Exodus 15:1b–6, 11–13, 17–18 [or] Hymn: "Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain" "How Firm a Foundation" Prayer People: O God, our Savior, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people Israel through the water of the sea; so now deliver your church and all the peoples of the earth from bondage and oppression to rejoice and serve you in freedom, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. THE PROMISE OF A RENEWED ISRAEL Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 4:2–6 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm 122 [or] Hymn: "Glorious Things of You Are Spoken" "Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer" Prayer People: O God, our Guide, you led your ancient people by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. May we, who serve you now on earth, come to the joy of that heavenly Jerusalem, where all tears are wiped away and where your saints forever sing your praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ETERNAL COVENANT OF PEACE Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 54:1–10 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm 30 [or] Hymn: "Great Is Your Faithfulness" Prayer People: Holy One of Israel, Our Redeemer, your love is unending and your covenant is not shaken, even when our sin carries us away from you; take pity again, establish us in righteousness, and through our baptism lead us to salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SALVATION FREELY OFFERED Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 55:1–11 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Canticle: Isaiah 12:2–6 [or] Hymn "God Is My Strong Salvation" "Amazing Grace" Prayer People: O God, you have created all things by the power of your Word, and you renew all things by your Spirit; Give now the water of life to those who thirst for you, that they may bring forth abundant fruit in your glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 36:24–28 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm: Psalms 42 and 43 [or] Hymn: "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart" (see also hymns for the next lesson) Prayer People: God of holiness and light, in the mystery of dying and rising with Christ you have established a new covenant of reconciliation; cleanse our hearts and give a new spirit to all your people, that your saving grace may be proclaimed to the whole world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. NEW LIFE FOR GOD'S PEOPLE Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 37:1–14 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm 143 [or] Hymn: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire" "Come Down, O Love Divine" "For Your Gift of God the Spirit" Prayer People: Eternal God, you raised from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your Holy Spirit brought to life your church; breathe upon us again with your Spirit and give new life to your people, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GATHERING OF GOD'S PEOPLE Old Testament Reading: Zephaniah 3:14–20 Response Leader: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. People: His love endures forever! Psalm 98 [or] Hymn: "Joy to the World" "The Church's One Foundation" "Glorious Things of You Spoken" Prayer People: Ever-living God of power and light, look with mercy on your whole church, we pray; bring to completion your lasting salvation, that the whole world may see the fallen lifted up, the old made new, and all things brought to perfection in him through whom all things were made, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hymn Antiphon: "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands" Cantor or Choir: Here the true Paschal Lamb we see, whom God so freely gave us. He died on the accursed tree—so strong his love to save us. See his blood now marks our door; faith points to it, death passes o'er; and Satan cannot harm us. Alleluia! New Testament Reading: Romans 13:11b–12 or 6:3–11 Commentary: The reading should be chosen as the text for the sermon which will follow. Response Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God! Sermon Commentary: The sermon for Easter Vigil may serve to briefly summarize the relationship between the Old Testament lessons and the resurrection of Christ. III. Service of Easter Baptism Commentary: Baptism has long been associated with the Easter Vigil. In the early church, candidates for baptism prepared for their baptism during a season of study, prayer, and renewal that later became known as Lent. They were baptized as a part of the Easter Vigil service. Today Easter Vigil is still a most appropriate occasion for baptism, as well as a fine opportunity for all baptized members of the church to either renew their baptismal vows or to recall their own baptism, depending on the theological understanding of baptism in the given congregation. Hymn Antiphon: "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands" Cantor or Choir: So let us keep the festival to which the Lord invites us. Christ is himself the joy of all, the sun that warms and lights us. Now his grace to us imparts eternal sunshine to our hearts; the night of sin is ended. Alleluia! Invitation Leader: Sisters and brothers in Christ, our baptism is the sign and seal of our cleansing from sin and of our being grafted into Christ. Through the birth, life, death, and rising of Christ, the power of sin was broken and God's kingdom entered our world. Through our baptism we were made citizens of God's kingdom, and freed from the bondage of sin. Join me now in celebrating our freedom and redemption in Christ and renewing our commitment to the one in whom we are baptized. Renunciation of Sin Leader: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin? People: We do. Leader: Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? People: We do. Leader: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races? People: We do. Leader: According to the grace given you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world? People: We do. Leader: Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Profession of Faith: The Apostles' Creed Leader: Do you believe in God the Father? People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. Leader: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Hymn: "We Know that Christ Is Raised" Commentary: The text of the hymn should ideally make the connection between baptism and Christ's resurrection quite explicit. Prayer People: Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and have forgiven our sins. Continue to give us your grace that we may live in obedience to you, in the power of the Resurrection which we now celebrate, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Charge to the People Leader: Remember your baptism and be thankful. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen. IV. Service of the Table Hymn Antiphon: "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands" All Singing Then let us keep this holy day on Christ, the bread of heaven. The Word of grace has purged away the old and evil leaven. Christ alone our souls will feed; he is our meat and drink indeed; faith lives upon no other! Alleluia! Offertory Leader: People of God, as an offering of thanksgiving to God for his inestimable gift to us, let us bring our gifts to him. People: Amen. (The gifts are received.) Commentary: At this point, the elements for Communion and the gifts which have been received may be brought forward. Invitation Leader: Friends in Christ Jesus: According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took the bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Come now to the joyful feast of our Lord. Prayer of Thanksgiving Leader: O holy God, Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, with joy we give you thanks and praise. By your power you raised Christ Jesus from death to life. Through his victory over the grave we are set free from the bonds of sin and fear of death to share the glorious freedom of the children of God. How wonderful are your ways, almighty God. How marvelous are your ways, O holy God. With the church of all ages we bless you and proclaim: People: "Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest." Commentary: This canticle may be read or sung. Most hymnals include several settings of it. For a list of service music found in a representative group of hymnals, consult the commentary to the Communion liturgy of the Advent service in this series.

In remembrance of your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,

we bless you and give you thanks. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be one with Christ and he with us. Fill us with eternal life, that with joy we may be his faithful people until we feast with him in glory. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Institution Leader: The Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Memorial People: Christ has died. Christ has risen. We remember his death. We celebrate his life! Prayer of Consecration Leader: Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, gathered here, and upon these gifts, we pray. By them, may we be united with Christ, our Lord, and raised with him to a new life. By your power, may this sacrament be a bold witness to joy of our baptism and the power of Christ's coming to life. Amen. Invitation Pastor: Friends in Christ, the Lord has prepared his table for his church. All who love him and trust in him alone for their salvation are now invited to come to the table of the Lord. People: We come with gladness. Thanks be to God! Pastor: The gifts of God for the people of God. Sacrament Pastor: (as the people take the bread) The body of Christ for you. Pastor: (as the people take the cup) The blood of Christ for you. Commentary: Appropriate hymns and anthems may accompany the sacrament. The Easter Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28:1–10 Commentary: Traditional Easter Vigil services do not call for the reading of the Easter Gospel at this point in the service, leaving that for the Easter morning service. While this option is certainly appropriate, including the Easter Gospel in the Vigil service provides a fittingly dramatic and victorious way to complete the service, especially if Easter Vigil is held early on Easter morning. Hymn: "Were You There?" (final verse only) Commentary: The final verse of this spiritual—"Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?"—is most appropriate for use at this point. It may be sung by an unaccompanied solo voice, especially if the first verses of this spiritual were sung in this manner on Good Friday. (See the service on Good Friday Tenebrae in this series.) Acclamation: Alleluias Commentary: The reading of the Gospel lesson or the singing of the final verse of "Were You There" may be followed by an acclamation sung by a choir or played on a variety of instruments. For example, this acclamation could begin with the peal of handbells from around the worship space, followed by the singing of Alleluias by members of the choir or congregation. Other instruments, even loud orchestra bells, can join the acclamation, which can conclude as the organ triumphantly introduces the final hymn. Church musicians can easily compose or prescribe such a sequence, giving each musician a melody for their sung Alleluia or bell or instrumental peal that falls within a common major key (e.g., G Major). The aleatoric effect of this acclamation can provide drama to the proclamation of the Easter gospel. Hymn: "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" Dismissal Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: We are sent in the power of Christ's resurrection. Alleluia! Blessing Leader: The blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen. People: Amen. Alleluia, alleluia! Dispersal of the Congregation Commentary: Post-service music should be celebrative, reflecting the full joy of Easter.