The Great Vigil of Easter

The Vigil of Easter begins with little changed from Friday night. The church is bare and also dark. Like the children of Israel who watched and waited through the night for the Lord of the Exodus, everyone gathers late on Holy Saturday to watch and to wait for the Lord of the Resurrection.

The first task is to break the darkness with the light of Christ burning atop the Paschal candle. This is the Light of Christ, dispelling the darkness of night, of sin, of death. This light will be a constant reminder of the Easter victory at all Easter services, at every baptism, and at every funeral.

Having broken the darkness, the stories of faith and salvation, are told while the vigiling goes on. These are our family stories that lead us to the Resurrected One.

After hearing the stories, baptisms occur, new members are received, and all renew their baptismal vows so that everyone is ready to receive the Lord of the Resurrection. Quickly the table is set, and the room is made ready with flowers, banners and festive array.

At last He comes! The victory is won! The Risen Lord comes in bread and wine and songs of praise. This is the feast of victory!

See also:

• Six stories for the Easter Vigil

Other topics in the Handbook Of Lent:

• An Invitation to Lent 
• What Is Lent?
• The Discipline of Lent
  • Lent and Repentance
  • Lent and Prayer
  • Lent and Fasting
  • Lent and Works of Love
  • Lent and Beginning Your Discipline
  • Lent and Keeping Your Discipline
• Lent And How To Make the Sign of the Cross
• Lent and Confession: Should I Go to Confession?
• How to Go to Confession During Lent
  • from Martin Luther's Small Catechism
• Lent and The Tradition of the Stations of the Cross
• Lent and The Triduum - The Three Sacred Days
  • Lent and Maundy Thursday
  • Lent and Good Friday
  • Lent and The Great Vigil of Easter
• Lent and Blessings over Food at Easter

Source: The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel - Evangelical Church in America

• Handbook For Lent - The Triduum - The Three Sacred Days
  • Handbook For Lent - The Great Vigil of Easter