Sermon Notes Easter Vigil

People of the Book
Not meaning the physical bindings.
But the narratives that guide and direct us.

The stories that speak of history (factual and allegorical)
People (literal and heroic)
Places (named and amorphous)
Journeys (literal and spiritual)

Experiences of being the people of God.
People of the Book know that the stories of our scripture take us through reality of being human.
Knowing that we try hard, we make mistakes, we fall – sometimes horribly.
And through it, the message of God is clear:
It’s okay. I still love you. Let’s try again.

As people of the book, this message is for us all:
It’s okay. I still love you. Let’s try again.

And so the stories that brought us to THIS point – so many of which we hear tonight – we continue the journey as the people of God.
With stories from our community and our time that speak of God guiding us, lighting our path.
The stories rooted in faith, that Support us.
Encourage us.
Inspire us.
And accompany us.

Because AS people of faith, we know these are not just narratives – they are the truth.
The truth of grace and mercy, of redemption and salvation, of love and love and more love.
And this.
This we honour and celebrate tonight, and carry with us.
Into the world.
The world that cries out “fake news” and discord to whatever doesn’t suit its own empire’s purpose.

And that’s okay too. Because even in those circles of darkness, God’s inconceivable love flows.

And for those of us with faith, we know the power of love.
The power of truth.
The power of being God’s people:
Imperfectly human, and perfectly, divinely loved.
This is our truth: this is our story.
This is the power of the resurrection, of life over death, of truth over all.
This is the power as God tells us at Easter (and always)

It’s okay. I still love you. Let’s love again.