Liturgy for Easter Sunday, Year C (Luke)
What is Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, the foundation of the Christian faith. It is a day of victory, renewal, and hope, as the risen Christ conquers sin and death. The lectionary readings proclaim the power of resurrection, God’s new creation, and the triumph of life over the grave. John 20:1-18 and Luke 24:1-12 recount the discovery of the empty tomb, while Acts 10:34-43 testifies to the Good News that Jesus is Lord of all. Isaiah 65:17-25 points to God's promise of a restored creation, and Psalm 118 rejoices in God’s steadfast love. 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 declares the resurrection as our ultimate hope, ensuring that death will be swallowed up in victory.
Scriptures for Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34-43
Peter proclaims that Jesus is Lord of all and that His resurrection brings forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him. The Good News of Easter is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.
Isaiah 65:17-25
God promises a new heaven and a new earth, where sorrow and suffering will be no more. The resurrection of Jesus is the first glimpse of this coming restoration.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
A psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God’s steadfast love and declaring, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Paul affirms that Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of those who have died. Because he lives, all who belong to him will be made alive as well.
John 20:1-18
Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb, encounters the risen Christ, and becomes the first witness to the resurrection, proclaiming, "I have seen the Lord!"
Luke 24:1-12
The women find the stone rolled away and the angels declare, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!" The disciples struggle to believe, but Peter runs to the tomb in wonder.
Call to Worship
Call to Worship #1 for Easter
One: Christ is risen!
All: He is risen indeed!
One: This is the day that the Lord has made!
All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
One: Death has been defeated, and life has triumphed!
All: Hallelujah! Christ is alive!
Call to Worship #2 for Easter
One: The stone has been rolled away!
All: The grave is empty, and Christ is risen!
One: Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O grave, is your sting?
All: Christ is victorious! Life reigns forevermore!
One: Let us worship the risen Lord with joy!
All: Hallelujah! Christ is risen indeed!
Call to Worship #3 for Easter
One: Do not be afraid—Jesus is alive!
All: The tomb is empty, and hope is restored!
One: Darkness has been shattered, and light shines anew!
All: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
One: Let us worship our victorious Savior with praise!
All: Glory to God! Hallelujah!All: Glory to God! Hallelujah!
Call to Confession
One: Though Christ has conquered sin and death, we still fall short. Let us confess our sins and receive God’s mercy.
All: Risen Lord, we confess that we have doubted Your power and failed to live as resurrection people. Forgive our fear, our complacency, and our lack of trust. Renew us with the joy of Your victory, that we may walk in the light of Your grace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the good news: "Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died." In Him, we are forgiven and made new.
All: Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Prayer of Illumination
God of life, as we hear your Word today, open our hearts to the power of resurrection. Let the truth of Christ’s victory shape our faith and transform our lives. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, we offer these gifts as an act of worship. Use them to proclaim the resurrection, bring hope to the hurting, and further Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Themes of Easter Sunday
The Victory of Resurrection
Christ has conquered sin and death, giving us hope beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:19-26).
The Power of Testimony
Mary Magdalene and the disciples bear witness to the risen Lord (John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12).
New Creation and New Life
Isaiah envisions a restored world, and Paul reminds us that resurrection brings ultimate renewal (Isaiah 65:17-25, 1 Corinthians 15).
Sermon Ideas for Easter Sunday
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