Copyright: © 1997 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. This liturgical drama may be freely reproduced for non-commercial purposes with credit to the authors and mention of the Lift Up Your Hearts web site http://www.worship.ca/ as the source. This drama appeared in similar form in Section 5 of the ELCIC's Gathered for Worship © 1995.

This drama is based upon a 10th century dramatization of the Introit for use as an Easter entrance rite.

The congregation gathers in the narthex or hall outside the nave. Inside the nave, all is dark. At the entrance to the nave, in the doorway, stands the paschal candle, lighted earlier at the Great Vigil.

A young man enters from the dark nave and stands by the paschal candle in the doorway. The man is vested in alb and deacon's stole (over the shoulder) and carries a palm branch. As he takes his place, the three Marys (M) come through the congregation to the doorway and stand before the angel (A).

The women are vested in alb and shawl or head-scarf. The first two carry a candle-holder and candle from the altar. The third carries a thurible or incense pot with incense burning. The Marys speak in unison.

A     Whom do you seek in the sepulchre, O followers of Christ?

M     Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, O Celestial One.

A     Gestures into the darkened nave. He is not here. He is risen, as he said.

M     With great joy. Alleluia! The Lord is risen today! The Strong Lion, Christ the Son of God. Alleluia!

A     Come and see the place where the Lord was laid. Alleluia! Alleluia!

The angel turns to a table just inside the doorway, where the white altar cloth lies folded. He picks it up, still folded, and shows it to the Marys. The first Mary gives her candle to the second Mary, and takes the folded cloth from the angel.

A     Go quickly, tell the disciples that the Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Alleluia!

M     The Lord is risen from the grave, who for us hung on the cross. Alleluia.

The angel carries the paschal candle into the nave, with the Marys, liturgical ministers and congregation following. All sing the processional hymn Jesus Christ Is Risen Today. As the congregation enters with noise- makers and banners -- Let every child of the parish, and anyone else who wishes, for that matter, have a noisemaker, banner, streamer or other item with which to participate in the grand parade. Here's a place to really involve the children of the parish! -- the angel places the paschal candle to the side of the altar. The Marys dress the altar with the cloth and candles.

The service begins with the greeting "The Grace of our Lord," the Confession having been omitted.

Note: In some congregations, parishioners are used to offering their own "alleluias" during the play. Depending on local custom, therefore, the characters must allow for single --and double!-- congregational alleluias.