In ancient times (and in liturgical time even
today) days begin at sundown and end at the following sundown. By this way of
looking at things, Easter Sunday begins on Saturday night at sundown.
Here in Frederick, sundown on Saturday night
is at 7:35 p.m. So we will be almost at the beginning of Resurrection Day.
For the first six centuries, the church celebrated The Great Vigil of Easter beginning at darkness on what we now think
of as Saturday night. This was generally an outdoor service, and the Vigil
lasted all night until daybreak on Sunday morning.
The Vigil began with the kindling of a fire, and
the Passover Candle, along with other lamps and candles, were lit from this
newly-kindled fire.
Since the Vigil lasted throughout the night, there
was plenty of time for prayer. There was time for the singing of psalms and
hymns. There was time for the reading of scripture, with
commentary by the bishops or elders. And there was quiet waiting.
Finally, as the rays of dawn began to appear,
there was a baptism. This was the night when most new believers, who had been
instructed in the catechism for a year or more, were baptized.
In the year 407 A.D., in Constantinople, 3000
people were baptized on this one night.
And then these new believers joined in the
Eucharist (or Holy Communion) for the very first time. It was a special night!
Saturday night we are remembering those
nights of vigil (or watching).
Join with us as we celebrate Jesus, who came
as a light shining in the darkness.
On Saturday night the Paschal Candle (or
Passover Candle) will be used as a symbol of Jesus Christ. Just as the
Israelites followed God in a Pillar of Fire shining through the night, we are
the pilgrim people of God following Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Later we will read part of the Exodus story
together, and remember our baptisms. Then we will celebrate the Lord’s Table
together.
