Holy Saturday, or Easter Vigil, marks the end of the Holy Week.
Let’s look at its significance and what you can do today in preparation for a fun Easter.
Holy Saturday is observed in deep reflection and mourning for Christians and they await Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It is also filled with hope and anticipation as believers look forward to the promise of a new life on Easter Sunday.
Meanwhile, according to Christian literature, as Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, his soul descended to hell in what is called “The Harrowing of Hell” and conquered the darkness forever for believers.
His followers were left in confusion and misery as they waited for Jesus’ return. In Christianity history, believers would fast and gather in the evening to participate in a vigil.
- Different Christian sects observe Holy Saturday in different ways. In the Catholic church, the altar is left bare until the start of the Easter Vigil and the day is spent in mourning and reflection.
- Among the Protestants, the day is part of Easter Sunday celebrations.
Here are some ideas on how to observe Holy Saturday individually in preparation for Easter.
Lift up your spirits
Choose to engage in activities, information, entertainment, and with people who lift your spirits. Good energy is important and it doesn’t have anything to do with being happy. Drama might make you feel happy but it is not good for your energy.
Confirm/decline plans
It’s time to confirm or decline those Easter invitations you said you’d think about. If you want or don’t want to do something for Easter use this time to communicate with the involved parties.
Prepare complex meals
Foods and dishes that require seasoning are best prepared today to have a smooth Easter. Go grocery shopping and stock up on what you may need.
Send out Holy Week and Easter messages
You could make your day and someone else’s by sending out personal messages in commemoration and celebration of relationships and friendships.
“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away,” Matthew 27:60 ESV.