My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today is a very unique and sacred day. The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. A day of silence, a day of waiting, a day that carries both the weight of sorrow and the promise of joy.
We began the Lenten season in a solemn mood through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It was a season that demanded sacrifice, discipline, and reflection. But tonight, everything changes. Tonight, we move from sorrow to joy because Christ is risen. At the beginning of this Vigil, we gathered in darkness. And then, a flame was lit. That flame is not just ordinary fire, it represents Christ, the Light of the world. A light that no darkness can overcome.
As that light spread from one candle to another across the church, it became a powerful reminder: that even the smallest light can overcome great darkness. In our world today, there is darkness, in our leadership, in our communities, in our homes, and sometimes even within our hearts. But the message of tonight is clear: The fire of Easter must not be extinguished.
That light must continue to burn in our lives, in our families, in our businesses, and in everything we do.
The Easter candle itself speaks to us: The Flame (Light) Symbolizes Christ as the Light of the World. It represents hope, victory over darkness, and the Resurrection. As the light spreads through the church, it shows how Christ’s light spreads to all believers.
The Cross on the Candle, represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. A reminder that through His death comes our salvation
The Five Grains of Incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross represent the five wounds of Christ (hands, feet, and side), which also symbolize His suffering and love for humanity.
The Alpha and Omega. First and last letters of the Greek alphabet mean that Christ is the beginning and the end of all things.
The Year Inscribed on the Candle
Shows that Christ is present today, not just in the past.
The Wax of the Candle represents the body of Christ as it melts, it symbolizes Christ giving Himself for us.
Dear friends, no matter what situation you are facing, God always makes a way. We are reminded of the children of Israel at the Red Sea. They were trapped, fearful, confused, and uncertain. Before them was the sea, behind them was danger, but God showed up. Through Moses, He made a way where there was no way. The sea parted, and His people walked through on dry ground.
If God has done it before, He will do it again. Sometimes in life, things may seem confusing. Sometimes the people around us may not understand us. Sometimes even those who laugh with us may secretly wish for our downfall. But tonight is not a night of fear. It is a night of victory.
The Scripture tells us: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” What was rejected has now become essential. What looked like defeat has become victory. So today, we rise with confidence and declare: I shall not die, but live, and proclaim the goodness of the Lord. And you too will live to recount His goodness in your life.
Tonight, we bless water reminding us of our baptism. We are reminded that just as Christ died, we die to sin. And just as He rose again, we rise to new life. This is not just a ritual it is our identity. The bells ring again. The Alleluia returns.
For a long time during Lent, we kept silent. But now, the Church bursts into joy: Alleluia! Christ is risen! The women went to the tomb looking for Jesus… But they were told: “He is not here. He is risen.”
My brothers and sisters, this is the foundation of our faith. The Resurrection is the reason we are here. Without it, there is no Christianity. But because He lives, we have hope. Because He lives, we have victory. Because He lives, we have life.
As we celebrate this Easter Vigil, let us carry the light of Christ wherever we go. Let us be bearers of truth in a world of falsehood. Let us be light in places of darkness. Let us be hope where there is despair. We are not people of defeat. We are an Alleluia people, people of joy, people of victory, people of the new covenant.
May the light of Christ shine in your life. May every darkness around you be overcome. May God make a way for you where there seems to be no way.
And may you win all your battles. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.