Service of Light with Easter Fire, 4th April – 7.30pm
The service begins in a darkened church, reminiscent of the tomb of Jesus, with The Vigil. Through listening to various Old Testament readings which recount the record of God’s saving deeds in history, we recall how he saved his people in ages past and, in the fullness of time, sent his Son to be our Redeemer.
This is then followed by the Service of Light where we gather outside around a bonfire, symbolising the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death. As the flames flicker and dance, we light the Paschal candle, which represents the risen Christ, illuminating the path of hope and renewal. The candle leads our way into the church, still in darkness.
We hear the story of our salvation in the singing of the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of triumph and rejoicing which links this night of our Christian redemption to the Passover night of Israel’s redemption out of Egypt.
We then proclaim the resurrection of Jesus in a joyful fanfare and the singing of the Gloria, before gathering at the font to renew our baptismal vows.
We are then sent out in anticipation of gathering together as a church family on Easter morning to celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter.
