Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil — the great night service from darkness to light.
Bibelsk grunnlag
The readings of Easter Vigil span the entire history of salvation: creation (Gen 1), the flood and the rainbow (Gen 7–9), Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac (Gen 22), the crossing of the Red Sea (Exod 14–15), Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones (Ezek 37), and the prophets' promises of renewal. The night's Gospel: women come to the tomb early Sunday morning and find it empty.
Betydning
The structure of the Vigil is theological: salvation history is read chronologically from creation — everything points to this night. Light is kindled in darkness: the Easter candle (the Christ candle) is carried into the dark church as a sign of the victory of the resurrection. Baptism naturally belongs to this night — being buried with Christ and raised with him (Rom 6:3–4).
GT-forbindelser
The readings of Easter Vigil ARE from the Old Testament: creation (Gen 1–2), the flood (Gen 7–9), the sacrifice of Isaac (Gen 22), the exodus from Egypt (Exod 14–15), renewal of the covenant (Isa 55), the dry bones (Ezek 37). The whole Old Testament is read as a preparation for the empty tomb — salvation history reaching its climax.
Liturgisk kontekst
The transition from black to white. Nightly stillness broken by joy. The church is dark, the Easter candle is carried in, light spreads from person to person. The Exsultet hymn is sung. Baptism and baptismal renewal. Holy Communion is celebrated. The most dramatic service of the church year.
Historie
The Easter Vigil is the oldest Christian service, known since the 2nd century. Originally it lasted all night and culminated with baptism and communion at dawn. In the Middle Ages it was gradually moved to Saturday morning and lost its power. The liturgical movement of the 20th century restored the celebration of Easter Vigil in its original form.