Fire, Smoke, and Celebration

This morning I woke up to the scent of woodfire smoke on my pillow. The lingering scent of the bonfire which began our Easter Vigil last night... And it struck me that that was the perfect way to wake up on Easter morning! There, with the scent of the fire still in my nostrils, on my hair, in my clothes, there to remind me of the celebration that had already begun.

Our Vigil worship began as most do, gathered around a fire as we christened a new Paschal Candle for the year whereon we processed into worship, following the light in the darkness, to hear stories of our faith, welcome the newly baptized while remembering our own baptisms, and celebrate a grace-filled meal around the altar. Rejoicing that the pain, darkness, chaos, bondage, and death we experience is defeated by the promise of healing, light, order, freedom and life of the resurrection!

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN, INDEED!!

ALLELUIA!!!