Lighting of the Church
While the celebrant is vesting, the deacon turns on the lights of the church and lights the candles. The congregation remains seated. Meanwhile, the congregation sings the following hymn:
Hymn of Light
Cong: Alleluia!
In your light we see the light,
O Christ, Source of light.
You are the true light
who illumines our universe.
Illumine us with your joyful light
and rejoice us with the dawning of your day.
Alleluia!
O holy and forgiving One,
you abide in light.
Remove from us the darkness of evil thoughts
and grant us to do deeds of justice
with a pure heart.
Alleluia!
From among all nations,
the Lord chose the Virgin.
Of all their children,
she was the purest and holiest.
For nine months he abided in her
and from her took a body.
Alleluia!
Before their judges
the martyrs stood and shouted openly:
We do not deny Christ
who died on the cross.
Because of his love,
we welcome sufferings and tribulations.
Alleluia!
O living Son of God,
you died, rose, and raised the dead.
You brought joy to those in the grave
and hope to those who are asleep.
Let the faithful departed,
who confessed the Trinity,
find rest in you.