INSPIRASUNS

One of my favorite services during Holy Week is the Saturday evening service. It’s known as the Great Vigil of Easter. I won’t go into all the specifics about the service, that’s for another blog, but what I will say is that it is one of the most beautiful services you’ll experience.

The service begins with the lighting of a large fire. This fire is then used to light the Paschal Candle, (used at all Baptisms), and all the other candles, (lights), in our church. As the priest walks into the church with the large candle, they sing, “The Light of Christ”. The congregation responds, “Thanks be to God”. Literally, the light that Jesus brought into the world fills our church and the hearts of His people. He has overcome the darkness and fills the world with light.

It’s also very common to have Baptisms at this service. Our youngest was baptized at this service many years ago. We had one this year as well. A beautiful little baby girl. I smiled as her family gathered around the font, her older siblings, like 4 or 5 years old, watched in wonder. At the end of the baptism, another candle was lit, specifically for this little one, and given to her parents. When the candle was lit, the Priest said, “Receive the light of Christ, that when the bridegroom comes you may go forth with the saints to meet him; and see that you keep the grace of your Baptism”.  

This morning, as I walked and thought about all the ways that satan tries to bring darkness into this world, I was reminded of this service. Just a few nights ago, when we declared Jesus, the light of the world, died for us, rose from the dead, and overcame that darkness. He asks us to stand firm in faith, trust in His glory, and spread His light to all we meet. When we do that, we crush satan’s attempts to darken the world.

So, friends, this morning, look at the world through the eyes of those little children who watched in wonder as their sister was baptised. Receive the light of Christ, and spread it to others as you go about your day.

Have a wonderful day, friends 🙂 .

John 8:12
Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.