| This night of watching: | the passover of God! |
| A night of waiting, | a night of jubilation, |
| the night of victory, | the night of our salvation! |
| This is the night | when God led the Israelites |
| When out of Egypt | and between the waves |
| they passed over to freedom, | no longer slaves. |
| This is the night | when darkness turned to light |
| When Christ our Savior | from the dark of the grave |
| passed over from death | into glorious day. |
| This is the night | when victory comes to sight |
| When by Christ's triumph | all those who believe |
| pass over from gloom, | from sin's burden relieved. |
| How happy is this night | when wickedness is put to flight |
| When God from death | grows endless life, |
| and endless peace | from blood and strife. |
| How holy is this night | when wrong is set to right |
| When God the Father | with God's child |
| by God's love | is reconciled. |
| In this dark night | our faith shines bright |
| We are from sin | to holiness restored |
| Jesus is risen! | Jesus is Lord! |
Peter Cardinal
March-April, 2002
Based on the liturgy for the Eve of Easter
as used in The Book of Common Prayer
of the Episcopal Church:
Seabury Press, 1979