The name of the Eternal be blessed from now to eternity.
On other nights, our house is bright with light. Why do we sit in the dark tonight?
"Our sanctuary has been laid waste,
our altar thrown down,
our temple destroyed;
Our harp has been laid low,
our song has been silenced,
our rejoicing had been ended;
the light our our lampstand has been put out,"
our Lord has died.
On other nights we use electricity. Why do we have only candles tonight?
John 12: 34-26 and 44-46
I Corinthians 4: 1-5
Ephesians 5: 8-13
Revelation 22: 3-5
On other nights, we watch TV. Why do we tell stories tonight?
Deuteronomy 26: 5b-8
Exodus 13: 3-10
Ruth 4: 7-22
Matthew 1: 1-16
Hebrews 8: 11-14i
On other nights, we do things the ordinary way. Why do we have a special ceremony tonight?
This is the watch night of the Lord.
This is the night of our salvation.
This is the night when Egypts' slaves
crossed the sea between the waves
and passed over to the promised Land.
This is the night when Jesus our Savior
Broke the bondage of the grave
and passed from death to glorious day.
This is the night when all who believe
are from the gloom of sin relieved
and are to holiness restored.
How holy is this night
when wickedness is put to flight
and sin is washed away.
How blessed is this night
that brings to us God's saving light,
when God with us is joined.
Peace for us and for everyone.