Fire and Water
These symbols of our faith are never more important than during this season of joy. Christ has overcome death and darkness. The tomb is empty - He has risen! We watch as the new fire is lit in our courtyard. The procession into church begins with “Christ, our light, thanks be to God!” The “Exsultet” - The Easter Proclamation - is sung then, with its haunting chant, its jubilant praise, its symbolism of old.
Today there are many sung texts of “The Exsultet," from the chant in the Sacramentary (the priest's book of prayers) to modern versions that invite participation from the congregation. For three years, we've used Dan Schutte's “Most Holy Night," sung by priest, cantor, choir, and congregation. This prayer of praise invites us - heaven and earth - to rejoice in this "Passover feast of God." It ends with an offering of the flame - the Easter Candle, "Accept from us this Easter flame that joins with all the stars of night, to guide the journey of our feet and lead us with its light!"
The Easter candle will soon be dipped into the water, blessing it, and uniting water and fire to give us the "Water of Life." We renew our baptismal promises, and come forward to dip our fingers in this new water. Christ has made all things new! We accept the invitation to rejoice and sing, “He is risen! Alleluia!”
