Happy Easter!

Unfortunately I have been struck down by quite a bad cold, so have only been up to enjoy Easter day for a couple of hours. Fortunately H did point out that it was snowing this morning, so I was able to look out the window to see some large white flakes slowly circling down like feathers, and able to briefly see the white ground outside. Unfortunately my horrible condition - attached to tissues, sore throat, grating cough and musty head - meant that I was not able to make it to church this morning to celebrate the good news of Christ's resurrection. Fortunately I was able to make it to the Easter Vigil last night, which is surely one of the most moving and beautiful services in the liturgical year. I described the service in some detail last year, so will not give the complete outline of the ritual, but would still like to point out some of my observations.

It was darker and colder this year than last, and there was a fear the wind would make the Paschal fire unruly and make it hard to light the Paschal candle. This meant that the candle lighting ceremony took place this year at the back of the church - but what a picturesque scene!

First of all, the altar servers processed in silence to the back of the church. The priest then switched off all the lights, and other than the deep blue dusky glow coming in through the stained glass windows, the church was plunged into darkness.

We all stood, holding our white, waxy, virgin candles, facing the back of the church. I was in the front pew, therefore right at the back, so was able to see the full church, all worshippers facing the back wall, watching and waiting for the light of Christ. I was able to move into the aisle for some of this part, and it was nice to see children gradually making their way into the aisle as well, to see and take part in this special ritual.

The fire was lit, and the three men dressed in white gathered round the fire, the orange glow lighting up the wall and their white gowns. Their shadows flickered as they gazed at the fire, the priest intoning the words of blessing as he marked the paschal candle. Once again, the symbolism and the imagery reminded me of Renaissance art. I felt as if I had been transported back in time, to a time when the earliest Christians would have met to mark Easter. Then the priest held the candle high, sang out, and we sang our response. Slowly, the altar servers, priest and paschal candle processed down the aisle, as our candles were lit from the holy Easter light. Eventually the priest reached the sanctuary steps, turned and faced the congregation, and, almost at the same time, the church was suddenly filled with the light from all the candles. Beautiful.

As with last year, the first three or four readings were read by candle light. Then the bells were rung with fierce devotion, the lights were switched on, and we joined in the first Gloria since Lent, singing loudly and joyfully.

It was lovely to share once again in the celebrations of six people joining the Church, perhaps even more so since I now understand the symbolism more having studied the Sacraments more since last year. And after the service, we joined in the celebrations by eating with them in the church hall, before I headed home for duck and roast potatoes.

So I didn't feel too bad about missing out on church this morning, since last night had been so special, and the church so beautiful.

Right. This has taken me some time to write! And The Passion will be on in 15 minutes ... Happy Easter everyone!