The most glorious and profound service is common use must be reckoned as the Easter Vigil. Ancient and loaded with symbolism, the service has no rivals. Easter Day, Christmas Eve, Pentecost are all magnificent, but they all pale next to the richness to be found in the Vigil.
It begins with the striking of the New Fire. The Gospel of John talks of how the Light was the Light of God. The Darkness of evil tried to snuff it out, but the Darkness could not prevail. John meant that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. With Easter the Light of Christ is unleashed again, never to be conquered, never to be hidden again; at least not for those who seek it. The light is a “lantern unto your feet.”
At the Vigil, the New Fire is struck and from it the Jesus Candle otherwise known as the Pascal Candle is lit. It is then carried in procession into the darkened church with clarion call, “The Light of Christ!” The gathered community answers, “Thanks be to God!” From there is placed in the stand by the pulpit or the baptismal font, and the most glorious and ecstatic anthem is proclaimed by the Deacon. The is the “Exultet” “Rejoice now all you heavenly hosts and choirs of Angels…” “This is the Night when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.”
The New Fire is meant to burn in our hearts and lives, lighting our way. There is a wonderful hymn in our Hymnal.(#490)
“I want to walk as a Child of the Light.
I want to follow Jesus….
In Him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the City of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.”
