Ashes

to

Fire

 

(Revised – First Draft)

 

September 2005

 

The Easter Liturgy

The Easter Liturgy

 

Introduction

 

1.             The high point of Holy Week celebrations is known as the Great Vigil of Easter, for it proclaims and celebrates the whole of salvation history and Christ’s saving work.

 

2.             The Easter Vigil has historic and symbolic roots in the Jewish Passover. For Christians, Christ, whose abiding presence is celebrated in the Eucharist, is our Passover. The Christian Pasch (the term used for the great three days of Easter) is Christ’s passing over from death to life, which is ultimately celebrated during the Great Vigil of Easter, and on Easter Day.

 

3.             Many of the images in the Easter Vigil are from the Old Testament, and are fulfilled in Christ, e.g. “lamb of God”, “good shepherd”, “living water”. In this service we experience the passage from slavery to freedom, from death to life. This vigil of the Christian Pasch marks the begin­ning of the Sunday of all Sundays, the Lord’s Day above all others.

 

4.             The Easter Vigil consists of four principal parts: The Service of Light; the Ministry of the Word; The Liturgy of Water (Baptism); and the Eucharist.

 

5.             In the Service of Light the resurrection is proclaimed in both spoken word and dramatic ceremony, the Paschal/Easter candle symbolising Christ the light of the world, risen from the darkness of the grave. The main feature is the procession of the Easter candle through the church during which light is passed progressively to all present, culminating in the ancient Easter song of praise, known as the Exsultet, “Rejoice, heavenly host!  Sing, choirs of angels!”. The candle is prepared with the cross, the symbol of life and death; the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, Alpha and Omega, proclaiming Christ as the beginning and end of all things; and the numerals of the current year, a reminder that the Lord of all ages is present here and now.

 

6.             The Ministry of the Word is the oldest feature of this celebration.  The readings re­hearse the mighty acts of God. This powerful sweep of  scripture fo­cuses the whole history of God’s creating and redeeming work in Jesus Christ.

 

7.             The Liturgy of Water follows in response to the proclamation of the resurrection in scripture. Throughout the church’s history, baptism has been intimately linked with Easter. New converts entered into Christ’s redeeming death and resurrection at the same time as the Church was celebrating its memorial of those events. It is, therefore, most appropriate that the Easter Liturgy include Baptism within it. Even when there are no baptisms, the con­gregation renews their baptismal vows as the completion of their Lenten preparation and as an affirmation of their union with Christ in his death and resurrection.

 

8.             The natural and proper climax of the whole Christian Pasch is the Eucharist, the culmination of the great three days, in which we are united with our risen Lord, and we enjoy a foretaste of Christ’s heavenly banquet at the end of time. Thus we can say that this Easter celebration is the most evangelical, biblical, sac­ramental and liturgical occasion in the whole of Christian year.

 

 

The Structure of the Liturgy

 

The Service of Light

            Lighting of the New Fire (optional)

Marking of the Paschal/Easter Candle (optional)

            The lighting of the Easter Candle

            The Exsultet

 

The Ministry of the Word - The Great Vigil of Easter

            Old Testament Readings, with Prayers and Canticles

            Gloria in Excelsis or hymn

            The Collect for Easter Day

            New Testament reading

            Psalm or Easter Anthems

            Gospel reading

            Sermon

 

The Liturgy of Water

          The Liturgy of Baptism and         

            The Laying on of Hands for Confirmation and Renewal

                        (if there are candidates for these liturgies)         

            The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

 

The Prayers of the People

            Prayers of Intercession

            Lord’s Prayer (if not said elsewhere)

 

The Ministry of the Sacrament

            The Peace

            The Preparation of the Gifts

            The Great Thanksgiving

The Communion (with the Lord’s Prayer before or after it, if not said elsewhere)

            Prayer after Communion

 

The Dismissal of the Community

            Blessing (optional)

            Dismissal

 

 

Notes

 

1.             According to local circumstances, the Vigil may be kept in a different place from the rest of the Easter Liturgy.

2.             Silence is an important aspect of the waiting and should form a key element during the Vigil readings, even if the Vigil is to be informal in nature. Silence should also be observed at the points prescribed in the rubrics for the celebration of the Eucharist.

3.             In the darkness fire is kindled outside, in the porch, or at the back of the church. The Paschal/Easter candle is lit from the fire.

4.             During the Vigil the building should be lit by the Paschal/Easter candle and candles held by the individual participants. If possible no other lights should be used. It is desirable for the building to be as dark as possible during the Vigil. If possible, the Paschal/Easter candle should illuminate the place from which the Bible is read during the Vigil, or the lights surrounding that place should be lit directly from the Paschal/Easter candle.

5.             Flowers, banners and other colourful decorations should be used in plenty to mark the festival.

6.             Marking the Paschal/Easter candle. The presiding priest or bishop may trace a cross in the Paschal/Easter candle, Alpha and Omega, and the numerals of the current year as the prayers are said. If the Paschal/Easter candle has been prepared beforehand, these signs may be pointed to as the prayer is said.

 

Christ yesterday and today (tracing the vertical arm of the cross)

the beginning and the end (the horizontal arm)

Alpha and Omega (these letters, above and below the cross)

All time belong to him (the first numeral, in the upper left corner of the cross)

and all ages; (the second numeral in the upper right corner)

to him be glory and power (the third numeral in the lower left corner)

through every age and for ever. Amen. (the last numeral in the lower right corner).

 

                                                                                                 A

 


                                                                                       2                   0

 

                                                                                       0                   6

 

                                                                                                 W

 

If grains of incense are inserted into the candle at the points of the cross and the centre, the following may be said:

 

1   By his holy                                                                    1

2   and glorious wounds                            

3   may Christ our Lord                                         4          2          5

4   guard

5   and keep us. Amen.                                                      3

                       

7.             Where possible, for the lighting of the Paschal/Easter candle the ministers should go to the entrance of the church without passing through the building itself. If a fire is lit outside the building, it is desirable for the people not to remain inside the building but to gather around the fire and to follow the ministers in the procession into the church.

8.             Small, unlit candles should be distributed to members of the congregation before the service begins. These will be lit from the Paschal/Easter candle during the Service of Light. They should be extinguished during the singing of the Glory to God in the highest after the church lights have been switched on.

9.             The Paschal/Easter candle should be placed in a prominent position from Easter Day until the end of the Day of Pentecost. It is traditional for it to be lit at all principal services during this period. It should also be used at Baptisms and may be used at Funerals throughout the year.

10.         The joy of the resurrection is properly demonstrated by noise, bells, fanfares, music, waving etc. This may introduce the singing of Glory to God in the highest. People may be encouraged to bring small bells with them to use at this point. It may also be suitable for such noise to accompany the acclamations after the Gospel reading. It is, however, inappropriate for bells to be rung before this. If possible, bells should be rung at the end of the service.

11.         After the Renewal of Baptismal Vows the congregation may be sprinkled with the newly blessed water, or individuals may be invited to approach the Font and use the water to make the sign of the cross, as a reminder of their own baptism.

12.         Water for Baptism may be blessed before the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.

 

 

The Easter Liturgy

 

THE SERVICE OF LIGHT

 

The ministers gather at the main entrance of the Church. The building is in darkness, or made as dark as possible. Fire is kindled.

All stand and face the ministers.

The presiding priest or minister introduces the celebration in the following or similar words.

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

on this most holy night,

when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life,

the Church invites her children throughout the world

to come together in vigil and prayer.

This is the Passover of the Lord.

We remember his death and resurrection

by hearing his word and celebrating his mysteries,

confident that we shall share his victory over death

and live with him for ever in God.

 

The new fire may be kindled. This prayer may be said.

 

Redeeming God, source of life and light,

you made this most holy night

to shine with the brightness of your one true light;

bless this new fire,

set us aflame with the fire of your love,

and bring us to the radiance of your heavenly glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

The Easter Candle may be marked here. (See the Notes for the marking of the Paschal/Easter candle.)

 

Christ yesterday and today,

the beginning and the end,

Alpha and Omega,

all time belongs to him,

and all ages;

to him be glory and power,

through every age and for ever.

Amen.

 

By his holy and glorious wounds

may Christ our Lord guard and keep us.

Amen.

 

The presiding priest or bishop lights the Easter Candle, saying

 

May the light of Christ, rising in glory,

banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.

 

The Easter candle is carried in procession through the Church, and three times the proces­sion stops; the person carrying the Easter candle raises it high, and says or sings

 

Christ our light.

Thanks be to God.

 

The procession of the Easter Candle moves further into the building and then stops. The ver­sicle and response are repeated (on a higher note if sung), and the candles of those around may be lit from the Easter Candle.

 

The procession continues to the centre of the building and stops once more. The versicle and response are again repeated (on a higher note if sung), and the candles of those around may be lit.

 

The Easter Candle is placed on a stand in a prominent place, and all other candles in the church are now lit.

 

The following Easter Song of Praise (Exsultet) is then said or sung by a minister standing near the Easter candle, or a suitably triumphant Easter hymn may be sung by all present.

 

Rejoice, heavenly host!  Sing, choirs of angels!

Exult, all creation in the presence of our God!

Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, is risen!

Sound the trumpet of salvation!

 

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendour,

radiant in the brightness of your Saviour!

Christ has triumphed!  Glory fills you!

Darkness vanishes for ever!

 

Rejoice, O Church! Exult in glory!

The risen Christ shines upon you!

Let this place resound with joy,

echoing the mighty song of all God’s people!

 

Alternatively, the Introduction to the Exsultet could be sung by the whole congregation to a suitable tune of the metre 10.10.10.10 using the following form.

 

Sing, choirs of heaven! Let saints and angels sing!

Around God’s throne exult in harmony!

Now Jesus Christ is risen from the grave!

Salute your King in glorious symphony!

 

Sing, choirs of earth! Behold, your light has come!

The glory of the Lord shines radiantly!

Lift up your hearts, for Christ has conquered death!

The night is past. the day of life is here!

 

Sing, Church of God! Exult your joy outpoured!

The gospel trumpets tell of victory won!

Your Saviour lives; he’s with you evermore!

Let all God’s people sound the long Amen!

 

The Lord is here!

            Kei konei te Ariki!

God’s Spirit is with us.

            Kei a mātou te Wairua o te Atua.

 

Lift your hearts to heaven

            Whakareia ō koutou ngākau ki te rangi

where Christ in glory reigns!

            kei reira nei te Karaiti kei tōna ahurewa tapu.

 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

            Kia whakapai tātou ki tō tātou Ariki ki te Atua.

It is right to offer thanks and praise.

            He mea tika ki te whakapai ki a ia.

 

It is indeed right that with full hearts and minds and voices we should praise you, O God, the source and ground of all our being, the Father almighty, and your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who out of love for those estranged from you, stretched out his arms upon the cross to enfold us all in his embrace.

 

For this is the Passover of that true Lamb of God, by whose blood the homes of all the faithful are marked as yours for ever.

 

This is the time [night] when of old you delivered the people of Israel from slavery, leading them dry-shod through the sea, and calling them to be a people after your own heart.

 

This is the time [night] when Jesus your anointed one vanquished the power of death and rose triumphant from the grave.

 

This is the time [night] when all who believe in him are set free, and empowered to serve in grace and holiness.

 

Most blessed of all days, when mourning is turned to joy, for evil could not destroy the Lord of love, and we have a foretaste of the glorious liberty of the children of God.

 

Day truly blessed, when heaven is wedded to earth and all creation reconciled to the one who fashions it!

 

Therefore, everloving God, in the joy of this day, receive our sacrifice of praise, your Church’s solemn offering. Accept this Easter candle. May it always make our darkness light; for Christ our Morning Star has risen and sheds his peaceful light on all creation, and is alive and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD - THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

 

The presiding priest or minister introduces the Ministry of the Word for the Great Easter Vigil in the following or similar words.

 

Fellow pilgrims on the Christian way, let us now listen to the story of how God saved the people of Israel by mighty acts in their history, and in the fullness of time came among us in Christ Jesus as our Redeemer.

 

Some or all of the following nine Readings, Psalms and Prayers are used. The reading from Exodus should always be used.

 

Genesis 1:1-2:4a                                                                                             Psalm 136:1-9,23-26

                                                                  Or  Benedicite Aotearoa (A New Zealand Prayer Book

                                                                                   - He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, p. 63f.)

 

Gracious and eternal God,

you created all things with a marvellous beauty and order;

help us now to recognise how still more wonderful

is the new creation you have fashioned in the fullness of time

by redeeming your people through Jesus Christ,

the true Passover lamb,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

 

Genesis 7:1-5,11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13                                                                                 Psalm 46

 

Faithful God,

you have placed the rainbow in the skies

as a sign of your covenant with all living things;

may we who are saved through water and the Spirit

worthily offer you our sacrifice of thanksgiving.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Genesis 22:1-18                                                                                                                Psalm 16

 

God, the hope of all who believe in you,

in Abraham and Sarah

you founded a family of faith for all the nations,

and through the death and resurrection of Christ

you made it all-embracing;

may we respond to your call by accepting with joy

your invitation to the new life of grace.

Grant this through Christ our Redeemer.

Amen.

 

Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21                                                                               The Song of Moses

Or Exodus 12:21-32                                                                        (A New Zealand Prayer Book

Or Exodus 14:21-31                                                   - He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, p. 100)

 

God of steadfast love,

by the power of our mighty arm

you delivered your chosen people

from slavery under Pharaoh,

giving us a sign of salvation through the waters of baptism;

grant that all the peoples of the earth

may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham,

and rejoice in the inheritance of your promises;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Isaiah 55:1-11                                                   God is my Salvation (A New Zealand Prayer Book

                                                                                     - He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, p. 77)

 

Everloving God,

by the power of your Word

you have created all things,

and by your Spirit you renew the earth;

give now the water of life to those who thirst for you,

that they may bring forth abundant fruit

in your glorious reign that knows no end.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Baruch 3:9-15,32-4:4                                                                                                        Psalm 19

Or  Proverbs 8:1-8,19-21; 9:4b-6

 

Creator of the universe,

source of all light,

teach us to hold fast to the ways of wisdom,

that we may live for ever in the radiance of your glory;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

 

Ezekiel 36:24-28                                                                                                  Psalms 42 and 43

 

Gracious God,

in the mystery of your Son’s death and resurrection

you established the new covenant of reconciliation;

grant that all who in baptism are born again

may show forth in their lives

what they profess by their faith.

Grant this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Ezekiel 37:1-14                                                                                                               Psalm 143

 

Living God,

by the Passover of your Son

you have brought us out of sin into righteousness,

and out of death into life;

grant to those who are sealed by your Holy Spirit

the will and power to proclaim you to all the world;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Zephaniah 3:14-20                                                                                                             Psalm 98

 

O God of light and life, of love ever-renewed,

proclaiming Yes to all that Jesus is

and all that he said and did and suffered:

bursting the gates of hell, destroying sin and death,

rendering the powers helpless to harm,

bringing all humanity from death to life;

may the whole world see

that what was cast down is being raised up,

that what has grown old is being made new,

and that all things are being brought to their perfection

by the one through whom all things were made,

your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

The minister