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The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the oldest known rites of the Christian church, dating back to the second century. It brings worshippers, literally and symbolically, from darkness into light. The service is comprised of four parts: the kindling of the new fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle; the reading of lessons recounting the many ways in which God has saved and restored his people; receiving new Christians into the body of the Church through the sacrament of Baptism, or renewal of Baptismal vows; and reuniting the people of God with the Body of the risen Christ by celebrating the first Eucharist of Easter.
After weeks of penitence, preparation, and reflection, more joyful elements return to the liturgy. The Exsultet, a chant almost as old as the Easter Vigil itself, invites us to rejoice in Christ’s triumph over death and redemption of the world; and the word alleluia (“Praise the Lord”)—which has not been spoken during the past 40 days of Lent—is proclaimed enthusiastically, and will remain in acclamations, fractions, hymns, and dismissals throughout Eastertide.
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