Vigil is not a tradition I grew up with. The first I ever heard of it was when I was in Illinois and a friend invited me to her Eastern Orthodox Church celebration. How strange and yet how attractive it seemed to experience watch all through the night waiting for Christ to rise. They had service parts where they exited the building and walked around it singing together. It was wonderful to be invited to participate - it felt great to be part of something so beyond everyday life.
Community of the Savior celebrates Vigil, though they do not stay up all night waiting. Their service begins outside and also with singing. It is very exhilarating. Together, we gather in the darkness. The Christ candle is lighted and we follow the cantor into the sanctuary where the light is shared with all. We review the full story of the Bible from creation straight on through, to see God's redemptive plan for his world and for his children. And when we reach the part about Christ rising from the dead, we all ring bells and shout Hallelujah! It is grand to cut loose and shout for pure joy.
The best part of course is the baby baptism. This is the second year in a row that we have welcomed a new life into our midst! What a glorious sign of God's grace. Children are precious - and fewer and fewer people seem to be having children these days. It is expensive to do so. I myself am blessed to now - or soon - have 5 grand children just as I had 5 children. I wish I could be more active in their lives, but I live pretty far. I end up having to be content just sending letters and chatting on the phone when that presents itself. Of course, I have no idea what my little darlings are saying to me, but I say, "How nice" and "Wonderful" just as if I understood them. Sigh.
Next year I plan to explore ways to heighten the suspense of waiting for the dawn and the risen Lord. There are traditions that do that, and I think I can examine them and see what might be adoptable without requiring staying up all night. Then I have to find a way to reach out to my kids with that. So much to learn! Meanwhile, tonight, I go to bed excited about Easter, even though I will not have the strength to attend sunrise service or share breakfast with loved ones. Next year perhaps. Next year.
Community of the Savior celebrates Vigil, though they do not stay up all night waiting. Their service begins outside and also with singing. It is very exhilarating. Together, we gather in the darkness. The Christ candle is lighted and we follow the cantor into the sanctuary where the light is shared with all. We review the full story of the Bible from creation straight on through, to see God's redemptive plan for his world and for his children. And when we reach the part about Christ rising from the dead, we all ring bells and shout Hallelujah! It is grand to cut loose and shout for pure joy.
The best part of course is the baby baptism. This is the second year in a row that we have welcomed a new life into our midst! What a glorious sign of God's grace. Children are precious - and fewer and fewer people seem to be having children these days. It is expensive to do so. I myself am blessed to now - or soon - have 5 grand children just as I had 5 children. I wish I could be more active in their lives, but I live pretty far. I end up having to be content just sending letters and chatting on the phone when that presents itself. Of course, I have no idea what my little darlings are saying to me, but I say, "How nice" and "Wonderful" just as if I understood them. Sigh.
Next year I plan to explore ways to heighten the suspense of waiting for the dawn and the risen Lord. There are traditions that do that, and I think I can examine them and see what might be adoptable without requiring staying up all night. Then I have to find a way to reach out to my kids with that. So much to learn! Meanwhile, tonight, I go to bed excited about Easter, even though I will not have the strength to attend sunrise service or share breakfast with loved ones. Next year perhaps. Next year.
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