A Newly Kindled Fire
Apr 01, 2010
There may be some who wonder why a large candle appears in the church between Easter and Pentecost. This candle, known as the Paschal Candle is processed into the church and lit at the service called the Great Vigil of Easter which we celebrated at Grace around sunset on the evening of Saturday, April 3rd. Most of us appreciate and enjoy reading historical information as to origins of the various rites and customs of the church; however, it isn’t too often that we consider these things from a theological and spiritual perspective. In my opinion there’s no better way to understand the spiritual significance of the Paschal Candle than through the Exsultet which is also chanted at the Great Vigil each year. I’ve reproduced the words of Exsultet below as found on pages 286 and 287 of The Book of Common Prayer. I’ve also reproduced the rubrics (liturgical instructions) in italics, as found in the Prayer Book, to help you enter into the ethos of the service as it’s celebrated at the Great Vigil of Easter.
“The Paschal Candle is lighted from the newly kindled fire, and the Deacon (the Celebrant/Priest if there is no deacon) bearing the Candle, leads the procession to the chancel, pausing three times and singing or saying, “The Light of Christ” and the people respond, “Thanks be to God.”
If candles have been distributed to members of the congregation, they are lighted from the Paschal Candle at this time. Other candles and lamps in the church, except for those at the Altar, may also be lighted. The Paschal Candle is placed in its stand. Then the Deacon, or other person appointed, standing near the Candle, sings or says the Exsultet, as follows:
Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout Salvation for the victory of our mighty King.
Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth, bright with a glorious splendor,
for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.
Rejoice and be glad now, Mother Church, and let your holy courts, in radiant light, resound with the praises of your people.
All you who stand near this marvelous and holy flame, pray with me to God the Almighty for the grace to sing the worthy praise of this great light; through Jesus Christ his Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with our whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam's sin,
and by his blood delivered your faithful people.
This is the night, when you brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry land.
This is the night, when all who believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life.
This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.
How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is your mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you gave a Son.
How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord.
How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and man is reconciled to God.
Holy Father, accept our evening sacrifice, the offering of this candle in your honor. May it shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find it ever burning—he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.”
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod
“The Paschal Candle is lighted from the newly kindled fire, and the Deacon (the Celebrant/Priest if there is no deacon) bearing the Candle, leads the procession to the chancel, pausing three times and singing or saying, “The Light of Christ” and the people respond, “Thanks be to God.”
If candles have been distributed to members of the congregation, they are lighted from the Paschal Candle at this time. Other candles and lamps in the church, except for those at the Altar, may also be lighted. The Paschal Candle is placed in its stand. Then the Deacon, or other person appointed, standing near the Candle, sings or says the Exsultet, as follows:
Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout Salvation for the victory of our mighty King.
Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth, bright with a glorious splendor,
for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.
Rejoice and be glad now, Mother Church, and let your holy courts, in radiant light, resound with the praises of your people.
All you who stand near this marvelous and holy flame, pray with me to God the Almighty for the grace to sing the worthy praise of this great light; through Jesus Christ his Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with our whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam's sin,
and by his blood delivered your faithful people.
This is the night, when you brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry land.
This is the night, when all who believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life.
This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.
How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is your mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you gave a Son.
How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord.
How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and man is reconciled to God.
Holy Father, accept our evening sacrifice, the offering of this candle in your honor. May it shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find it ever burning—he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.”
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod