Traditional Books of Common Prayer call this day "Easter Even," while more recent liturgies use the name Holy Saturday. In either case, it is a very low-key day liturgically. There is no celebration of the Eucharist during this day. [Any Easter Vigil Eucharist is technically for Easter Day and should be after sundown]. Nevertheless, although subdued, this is an important day that should not be ignored.
The Scriptures for the day emphasize the reality of Christ's death and His Sabbath in the tomb, and they call believers to quiet reflection. The Gospel from Matthew 27 begins late Friday with the burial of Jesus, and it shows both the private mourning of Christ's followers and the continued plotting of His enemies. The Epistle from I Peter 3:17-22 speaks of the reality of Jesus' physical death as well as His spiritual survival. Even in death, our Lord continues to minister. He preaches to the dead. I Peter 3:19 (and also possibly Ephesians 4: 9-10) form the basis of the article in the Apostles' Creed, "He descended into hell." In other words, Jesus really spent time among the dead.
So as we look back to the Cross and anticipate the Resurrection, we should not neglect the time between. Except for sin, Jesus of Nazareth fully identified with the human experience. He really died and experienced the separation of body and spirit. That fact indicates the drastic importance of His Resurrection. It is truly powerful and transformative. His time among the dead also means that His Resurrection is more meaningful and hope-filled for us human mortals!
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