Holy Saturday

Quiet. Rest. One last sabbath rest before the dawning of the eighth day, the day of eternity, when Christ breaks out of death and the grave and all the world breaks forth in song and joyful acclamation.

But not yet.

It is difficult to imagine what today must have been like for the disciples. The fear, the doubt, the questions racing through their minds. All the shouldas, wouldas, and couldas. The grief and pain. How long this day must have been for them. While the Jews around them celebrated! Yes, they were celebrating the Passover. Salt in the wound? We thought He was the One . . .

Tonight is the Great Vigil of Easter in our church. Though I probably should not have favorites, this is one of my favorite services of the year. The quietness and calm, the anticipated joy, all the OT Scriptures, the baptismal focus and remembrance, "God has brought His Israel into joy from sadness." Tomorrow will be the full throated shouts. Tonight is the calm, confident joy of our Lord. Wonderful.