John 19:38-42 (NRSV)
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Verse 38After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Verse 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. Verse 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Verse 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. Verse 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Devotion
This is the night! This is our Passover with Christ from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Tonight is the heart of our celebration of the Three Days and the pinnacle of the church's year. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in word and sign, and we gather around a pillar of fire, hear ancient stories of our faith, welcome new sisters and brothers at the font, and share the food and drink of the promised land. Raised with Christ, we go forth into the world, aflame with the good news of the resurrection.
-Sundays and Seasons
"Rejoice, now, all heavenly powers...Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor...Rejoice, O holy church! Exult in glory!...This is the night in which, breaking the chains of death, Christ arises from hell in triumph."
-The Easter Proclamation