THIS IS THE NIGHT OF NIGHTS. We are ushered into the holy season of the Great Fifty Days of Easter wherein we celebrate our new life in the victorious Savior! Tonight, indeed, is the night of nights.
The Vigil Service consists of four parts. The Service of Light symbolizes the Light of Him who overcame the darkness of evil and enlightens our hearts with God’s grace. The Service of the Word proclaims the Lord’s Word for our faith. The Service of Holy Baptism celebrates the Sacrament and reaffirms our Baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. The Service of the Holy Eucharist celebrates the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of sins.
BLESS US, LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY THE POWER OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, WORKING THROUGH YOUR WORD AND SACRAMENTS, TO THE GLORY OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
Please note:
THE SACRAMENT OF CHRIST’S BODY AND BLOOD is celebrated on Holy Saturday. In great love He was slain for us, and by His blood He ransomed us for God. As our substitute, carrying our sin, the Holy Lamb of God received the punishment that we deserve! And as He, Himself, cried out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), the debt is paid! As we marvel at the forgiveness He won for us at Calvary, we also give thanks for the means by which He brings it to us still today. As we receive Holy Communion, guests who desire to commune are asked to speak with the pastor before the Service. We practice closed communion, as the Holy Scriptures have instructed. Visitors who know themselves to be in altar fellowship with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and are desiring to receive the Sacrament are asked to first speak with the Pastor. All communicants are asked to fill out the “Record of Fellowship” booklet and prepare by considering the Christian Questions with Their Answers on page 329 – 330 in the Lutheran Service Book.