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NOW ALL THE VAULT
OF HEAVEN RESOUNDS
(Note: we had
permission to print the text during Lent but have had to remove the
text after Lent. Refer to your hymnal for the text.)
My favorite part of
Easter worship is the opening hymn. During Lent, the mood has been
solemn. We have reflected on our need for repentance, heard the
story of Christ’s passion and looked forward to the good news of
this day: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
When I was growing
up, nothing seemed to express that good news as well as the opening
hymn in my home church. After the darkness of Good Friday, we
gathered on Easter to proclaim the good news. As we stood to sing,
the usual organ was joined by a brass choir. Trumpets, trombones and
French horns rang out. It was as if I could actually hear the vault
of heaven resounding!
What a joyous day!
What terrific news! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ has
triumphed over death and the grave. But we could not celebrate the
great glory of this day without the days that preceded it. Easter
Sunday couldn’t come without Good Friday. We have once again heard
the story of Christ’s crucifixion, of his burial in the tomb. Yet
today, the tomb is empty!
Hear the message
the angel shared with the women who went to see Christ’s tomb on
that first Easter morning: “Do not be afraid; I know that you are
looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been
raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go
quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,
and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see
him’” (Matthew 28:5-7).
The women at the
tomb shared the message from the angel
—
the message that leads us to join with choirs of angels as we sing
out the good news today and every day! Christ is risen! He is risen
indeed! Alleluia! With that news in hand, how can we keep from
singing?
Holy and living
One, help us to always sing your praise and share the good news of
your death and resurrection, not just on this day, but every day. We
pray in the name of your son, the risen and living One, Jesus Christ
our Lord.
The Rev. Kristin Neitzel, Associate Pastor |
