The Risen Christ

The Risen Christ
During the dark winter nights I decided to listen to a long (over 20 hours) Audible book on the music and life of J S Bach; “Bach : Music in the Castle of Heaven” by John Eliot Gardiner. It opened my ears to The St John Passion, and the incredible emotional pull and power of the first word, over and over again...Lord. I was familiar with the magnificent St Matthew Passion as well as many other of Bach’s masterpieces, and Gardiner is such a great writer and natural, born teacher, who clearly loves and understands Bach. He also taught me a lot about the Lutheran Church during Bach’s time. And of course, his personal life...tragedies, triumphs and joys. I really loved this book and I think you will too.
Recently I got a request to use the Triptych of the Passion from Pastor David Hansen of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, for the Easter Vigil. I noticed the opening prayer was very beautiful.
“Sisters and brothers in Christ, on this most holy night when our Savior Jesus Christ passed from death to life, we gather with the church throughout the world in vigil and prayer. This is the Passover of Jesus Christ. Through light and the word, through water and oil, bread and wine, we proclaim Christ’s death and resurrection, share Christ’s triumph over sin and death, and await Christ’s coming again in glory.
Eternal God, in Jesus Christ you have given the light of life to all the world. Bless this new fire at the banquet of eternal light; through the Sun of righteousness, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the ending. To Christ belongs all time and all ages; to Christ belong glory and dominion now and forever.
The light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Amen”
A Blessed Easter Season and may it bring you a deeper assurance of the continual loving call for intimacy with the Risen Lord !
Fr Bill McNichols 💮 Easter 2021