The Exultet An Easter Vigil Litany Based on an Ancient Hymn

The "Exultet" is an ancient hymn of the church, an Easter proclamation which recounts the saving acts of God in the Old and New Testaments. Historically, the Exultet was sung only once each year at the beginning of the Paschal (Easter) Vigil Service. That service began on Saturday night in darkness and ended on Easter Sunday morning in the light. After a processional in which everyone was given a candle, the candles were lighted, beginning at the aisles until all were lit. The candles remained lit throughout the singing of the Exultet, after which they were extinguished. Here the Exultet is presented for speaking, followed by the singing of "Alleluia! Alleluia!" which was written by Christopher Wordsworth.

Easter Proclamation: The Exultet 

Rejoice, heavenly choirs of angels.

Rejoice, all creation around God's throne.

Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!

Sound the trumpet of salvation.

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,

Radiant in the brightness of your King.

Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!

Darkness vanishes for ever.

This is our Passover feast when Christ, 
the true Lamb, is slain, 
whose blood consecrates 
the homes of all believers.

This is the night when you, Lord our God, 
first saved our ancestors in the faith; 
you delivered the people of Israel 
from their slavery 
and led them dry-shod through the sea.

This is the night when Christ broke 
the chains of death 
and rose triumphant from the grave. 
This is the night truly blessed, when heaven is wedded to earth, 
and all creation is reconciled with God.

Therefore, Father, in the joy of this night, 
receive our sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving. 
Let us sing with joy, 
joining the mighty chorus
of all God's people!

Hymn: "Alleluia! Alleluia!" ^Wordsworth