FROM THE PASTOR

This is the Night: New Fire, Ancient Promises

On May 19^th, we will light a fire in celebration of Pentecost, reminding us of the fire of the Holy Spirit that rested on the heads of the early believers and continues to light a fire of guidance and passion for each of us.

But more historically, fire is associated with the Easter Vigil service, which continues to grow in importance for our own practice in the Lutheran church. Again…a good opportunity for mystagogical reflection.

On May 19^th, we will light a fire in celebration of Pentecost, reminding us of the fire of the Holy Spirit that rested on the heads of the early believers and continues to light a fire of guidance and passion for each of us.

But more historically, fire is associated with the Easter Vigil service, which continues to grow in importance for our own practice in the Lutheran church. Again…a good opportunity for mystagogical reflection.

1. “We recall an event or experience that was significant in some way or that caught our attention.”

• • The Easter Vigil service begins outdoors – in God’s creation. A new fire is kindled. The fire is used to light the Paschal candle, which will be used throughout the Easter season and at baptisms and funerals, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. We process into the atrium of the church and pass that fire to one another with individual candles.
  • Pastor Kyle began to sing a modern version of the ancient text of the Easter Proclamation or Exsultet, which tells the story of salvation history, celebrates the mystery of Christ’s resurrection, and connects the biblical Passover with the ‘passover’ of Jesus Christ. The proclamation invites the congregation to meditate on the grandeur of the mystery of Easter and to embrace the light of Christ in their lives.

2. “We share with others who had the same or similar experience, recalling what we saw, heard, tasted, smelled, touched, and how we felt about it.”

• • It wasn’t quite darkness as the fire was lit but it was dust. The flames not only provided light as we went into the atrium but also are kind of mesmerizing.
  • The crackling of the fire; pastor’s voice filling the space…it was a looooong song but full of so many illustrations:
    • • celestial assembly, filled with radiant angels, and the resounding trumpets heralding the King’s victory over death.
      • the bee’s, God’s servants, who make the wax for this candle!
  • The aroma of burning wood and smoke mingling in the air…
  • Pastor Kyle & Pastor Schumacher wearing beautiful copes! And wondering if they were going to smell of smoke!
  • Tasting the Easter Eucharist…fresh bread and new wine.
  • The warmth from the flame…the wax that got on my nice pants!
  • The solemnity of the occasion, combined with the beauty of the liturgy, stirred feelings of awe and reverence. But there was also a life-giving joy in the way the readings from the Old Testament were shared – we laughed and played kazoos!

3. “We connect that experience to something larger in our lives, especially to our faith, asking ourselves, “Where do I find God in this experience?” and, “What might God be saying to me through this experience?”

• • When we light the new fire, we remember that no matter how tough things get, there’s always hope. Just as that fire breaks through the night’s darkness, we’re reminded that Jesus brings light into our darkest times. This isn’t just about remembering a story from long ago; it’s about feeling that Jesus is with us right here, right now, helping us overcome our struggles.
  • This whole experience can feel like a nudge from God, telling us to keep hope alive and to be that spark of positivity for others, even when things look bleak. It’s like God is saying, “Don’t give up, I’m with you.” The big message here is about spreading kindness and hope to the people around us, just as Jesus did.
  • Ancient traditions aren’t just rituals—we actually live them in our everyday lives. It’s about finding ways to bring light to others, whether that’s through a kind word, helping out, or just being there for someone who’s going through a tough time.

4. “We ask how Scripture and Church teaching can shed light on this experience.”

• • The image of light from fire is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a recurring theme that symbolizes God’s presence and guidance. In the book of Exodus, God leads the Israelites out of Egypt by night with a pillar of fire, providing them light and direction (Exodus 13:21). This idea parallels the light of the Paschal candle guiding us towards salvation and the presence of Christ.
  • In the Gospel of John where Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This statement directly connects with the Easter Vigil’s symbolism, where Jesus, through His resurrection, is seen as the definitive victory over darkness that brings eternal life.
  • The Church teaches that the liturgies of Holy Week and especially the Easter Vigil are the highest points in the Church calendar because they celebrate the very core of Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus. The lighting of the new fire and the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) are steeped in rich traditions that date back to the early centuries of the Church.

5. “We ask ourselves how we can be transformed as a result of this experience and of our reflection on it.”

• • This light in our lives can be striving to embody the qualities of Christ—love, compassion, forgiveness—in interactions with others. It might inspire us to bring positivity and hope to those who are facing their own kinds of darkness, whether it’s through offering support during tough times, volunteering, or simply being a more present friend or family member.
  • The experience of hearing the Easter Proclamation recounts the great deeds of God throughout history, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus. “I love hearing this recounting of God’s saving work. It reminds me of all the stories I learned in Sunday school.”
  • There are also troubling implications in all of this imagery of light and darkness. This symbolism can unintentionally perpetuate racial stereotypes and biases that equate whiteness with virtue and darkness with something negative or undesirable. I hope this ancient text and ritual also helps us wrestle with modern questions.

Thank you to those who participated in these reflections and conversations.

God’s peace,
Pastor Kyle