Vigil of Easter - 2. Service of Readings

After the Service of Light comes the Service of Readings. Twelve readings are appointed, which may be reduced to seven or four. The twelve readings are appropriate for a midnight service which lasts until dawn. At St. Stephen we most often use four readings. Each reading may be followed by a psalm or hymn.

The readings are salvation history, from the Old Testament. God's creative and redemptive power and loyalty to his people are emphasized. The Easter victory is prefigured in these mighty acts of God.

You may read these out loud or silently.

Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26                           Creation                                  

Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18        The Rescue from Egypt

Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Psalm 143                                                 The Valley of the Dry Bones

Daniel 3:1-30 and The Song of the Three Young Men             The Fiery Furnace