The Meaning of Tenebrae

For centuries, believers have gathered as the sun sets on Good Friday to recall those

hours of darkness that covered the world at the crucifixion of the Son of God. This worship ser-

vice, called Tenebrae from the Latin word for “darkness,” was a time of quiet reflection on the

suffering and death of Jesus. Those gathering believed in the resurrection, and yet they found

tremendous comfort and deep worship in the simple service of reading Scripture as the room

around them slowly grew darker and darker; ending as the final moments on the cross were re-

membered, and the last candle was extinguished in silence.

Tenebrae, the Latin translation for “shadows,” is a service of darkness that commemorates the

suffering and death of Christ, and is based on an ancient service. Dating from the eighth cen-

tury. Tenebrae represents the darkness that fell over the earth as the Son of God was crucified.

Candles symbolize Christ, who is our Light and the Light of the World. They are used in

impressive ceremonies at Christmas to symbolize the coming of the Light. The use of candle-

light in a darkened church on Good Friday can dramatically portray the fading Light of the

world as Christ was crucified.

This service of worship will be solemn. We request that you enter the sanctuary in silent

meditation. This is the night on which Christ died to save us from our sins. Let us show rever-

ence and awe in the face of such sacrifice. As the service closes, we also ask that you leave the

church in silent reflection.

Discover the depth of meaning and blessing for Holy Week services that such a candle-

lit evening of reflection brings. Like the ancient Tenebrae service, this musical is not an evening

of spectacular special effects or extravagant arrangements. The music, orchestration and read-

ings are simple and powerful. In that beautiful simplicity, the story we all know so well of a

babe in a manger and a man on a cross, touches something deep inside each of us.

In the growing shadows of Tenebrae, you can hear that still, small voice that whispers

an illuminating promise, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in

darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Join us Good Friday, April 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

for this special evening of worship and reflection.