The service we will follow on Easter Sunday is the liturgy of Divine Service setting 1 beginning on page 151. There will be a few modifications in the opening invocation, scripture reading, and responsive psalm reading. Hymns chosen for the day are #457 Jesus Christ is Risen Today; #464 The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done; #633 At the Lamb’s High Feast; and #475 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing.
Scripture readings for the day are Mark 16:1-8; Isaiah 25:6-9; and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.
We will begin the service with a bit of an announcement, reading St. Mark’s account of the women at the empty tomb of Jesus. Mark’s account is a bit strange in that there is no encounter with Jesus as compared to the other gospel accounts. The women respond with fear and trembling at news that Jesus is risen from the grave just as He said He would do. What is your response to the news that Jesus, once dead, is now alive?
For the psalm we will responsively read portions of Psalm 118 intermixed with portions of Matthew 28.
The Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 25. The prophet foretells of a sumptuous heavenly feast given by God to celebrate the defeat of death, and the end of all sadness. Jesus our Lord has saved us! Those who wait on Jesus will be glad and rejoice. You are invited to the heavenly feast! Join the celebration even now!
The epistle reading is from the opening verses of 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. St. Paul reminds the Corinthians and all Christians of the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Resurrection, like forgiveness of sins, is foundational to the gospel. If Christ is not raised from the dead than our faith and all preaching are worthless. But, in fact Christ is raised! Over 500 witnesses could attest that they saw Jesus alive between the time of His resurrection and His ascension 40 days later.
Come join in the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.
Collect: Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death, and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the scriptures read this Easter. God bless you. Pastor Boster
