I’m off to an Easter Tea today. We’ll judge Easter hats, sing a bit and enjoy tea and dainties. I’m the entertainment – which means I’ll sing a bit and talk a bit and hopefully keep all of us awake.
I want to chat a bit about Easter Sunday Morning Sunrise services. I remember a number of years ago attending such a sunrise service. Later in April. We really had to get up early. This year – not as early if you go to a sunrise service.
The sunrise service takes place outside. The idea is to celebrate the empty tomb (which is what Easter Sunday is about) which greeted Mary as dawn broke on Easter morning. A pretty simple explanation.
History gives “the rest of the story.”
The first time this happened was back in 1732 (at least this is the first recorded time). Transport yourself back 300 years. Put on your warm clothes. Be a man.
Now history shows that the tradition ended up catching on to all genders, ages and sizes. But the first time was men only.
The Single Brethren (unmarried men of the Christian community called Moravians living at Herrnhut in Germany) had been praying all night. This was the evening before the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. I can imagine they were quite thankful in their prayers – a few “Hallelujahs” and “Praise Jesus” were probably spoken – although probably in German!
Then they headed off to the town graveyard, called God’s acre (I like that name – God keeps an eye on the places where His people are buried!). There they really got into it – singing songs of praise to the Risen Saviour. No guitars – just acappella.
So, we’ll try some singing this afternoon, although we won’t be at the graveyard but in a warm meeting room. We’ll sing without piano or other instruments. Probably in five part harmony – 4 parts and my part!
Should be interesting!