The Tenebrae service, meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” has been practiced by the church since medieval times. Once a service for the monastic community, Tenebrae later became an important part of the worship of the common folk during Holy Week. We join Christians of many generations throughout the world in using the liturgy of Tenebrae.
Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion, music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death.
As you enter the sanctuary, we ask that you remain silent. This service leads us to reflect upon the suffering experienced by our Lord on the day of His crucifixion and the anguish of His disciples as they watched what was happening to their Master.
One of the most conspicuous features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, the Christ Candle, representing our Lord, remains. As it gets darker and darker we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain experienced by Jesus that Friday. At the end of the service, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of His death, and the Christ candle is hidden, signifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good, as His life is extinguished and his body is taken into the tomb.
This service may leave you feeling empty. You may feel as if the service was left unfinished. The service is unfinished, because the story does not end on Friday. The story is not completed until Sunday. Until then, reflect upon the loneliness of this night but look forward to celebrating the return of the Christ Candle on Sunday morning.
As you leave service, we ask that you do so in silence. You may even want to remain silent in your cars as you travel home, imagining what the disciples must have been feeling on that Friday night, long ago. The service will end in silence and we ask that you leave quietly and reverently with respect to those who are praying and reflecting in the sanctuary.
We hope you will make plans to bring your family and experience this wonderful worship experience as we celebrate this week of Easter. The service will begin Friday, April 3rd at 7pm and will last no later than one hour.