Happy Easter!

My yard sign with blooming Freesias.
Easter Lilies taken at the Easter Vigil last night.

We start the service in the dark or dim light.
And outside with a fire to light the paschal candle.
Then we process into the church.
We listen to lessons told campfire style.
There are six lessons altogether plus a New Testament reading
and the Gospel Reading from John.

Hubby and I did a lesson from Isaiah 55.
He reads and I do it in sign language.
I wear dark clothing with long white gloves.
Some light is on me as I intrepret the lesson.

When the lesssons are over, the lights come on
and the barren altar is decorated once again.
The pastors put on their stoles and participants
parade in with banners and the accessories for the altar.
I carry in one of the big banners.
This is the one I carry as we parade down the aisle.
The altar linen cloth,
candles
bookstand,
altar book,
offering plates,
flowers,
more flowers and
finally the communion elements
which I also help bring in.
While this is going on,
the congregation is singing


Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!


Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!


But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
now above the sky he's king, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!


Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as his love: Alleluia!
praise him, all you heav'nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!



It is really quite an experience to attend the Easter Vigil.
To go from the dark reminding us of Good Friday
into the glorious celebration of the Christ's victory over death.
Seeing the celebration come alive is so exciting.
Very different than coming into an already decorated church
on Easter morning.

Alleluia. Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!


By the time we got to this part, I could hardly say them
for the tears rolling down my cheeks.


Happy Blessed Easter to everyone!!
~Linnea~