(The people process into the dark sanctuary carrying candles,
symbolizing the return of Christ to the church.
Three times the procession stops to proclaim:)
The light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
(As light is restored to the sanctuary, the candles may be placed around a large bowl of water.)
God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature. Even more wonderfully, you have restored it. Allow us to share in the divine life of Jesus Christ, who humbled himself and shared in our humanity.
Amen.
(We remember God's saving acts through history. The people respond as shown to each reading; then a silence is kept.)
Reading: Genesis 1:1-5
Hymn #408 "Water Has Held Us"
(Silence)
Reading: Exodus 12:21-28; 14:21-27
Response: Psalm 114
(Silence)
Reading: Ezekiel 36:24-28
Hymn #716 "On Your Ransomed Congregation"
(Silence)
Reading: Matthew 27:33-50
"Christ Our Passover" page 236
(Silence)
Reading: Matthew 28:1-10
Hymn 361: "The Strife Is O'er"
(In ancient times, those who desired to join the church were given instruction during the 40 days prior to Easter. They were then baptized during the holy night of watching.)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Eternal Father: When nothing existed but chaos you swept across the waters and brought forth light. In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the water of the sea. Their children you brought through the Jordan River into the land which you promised.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Tell of God's mercy each day.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. Jesus was baptized by John and annointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.
Declare his works to the nations,
his glory among all people.
Pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water and those who receive it, to wash away their sin and clothe them in righteousness throughout their lives. By dying and being raised with Christ, may they share in Christ's final victory.
All praise to you, eternal Father,
through your son, Jesus Christ,
who with you and the holy Spirit lives and reigns forever.
Amen.
(The leader may stir the waters and sprinkle the community while saying:)
Remember your baptism and be thankful.
(In the ancient practice of the Church, the Easter Eve service continued all night, culminating at dawn with the sharing of the holy meal by all of the gathered people.)
Christ is risen.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
We should always and everywhere give thanks to you, Father, and even more on this most holy of nights. For Jesus offered himself as the true sacrifice of Passover, and by his blood saved all your people.
On this very night, Christ Jesus passed from death into life. This is the watch night of the Lord. This is the night of our salvation.
This is the night when the Israelites passed out of Egypt and between the waves.
This is the night when victory came to sight, when Christ passed from death into glorious day.
This is the night when we who believe pass out of dark gloom and into bright joy.
How holy is this night when wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away.
How joyful is this night when wrong is set to right, when God with us is forever joined.
How shining is the light on this most holy night, bright with Christ's resurrection glory.
May our lives, this night, shine with your holy light.
May we be restored to grace and holiness of life.
(The food for the love feast is set out.)
In thankfulness, let us sing.
Hymn 469: "Come, Let Us Sing the Song of Songs"
(The feast continues with holy fellowship and conversation.)
This service was adapted from a 1987 version of the Easter Eve vigil service used at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. We are indebted to the liturgies of the UMC and of the Episcopal Church as sources and models.