Service of Tenebrae
Led by Pastor Christine McNeal
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The service of Tenebrae is a long-standing tradition in the Christian Church. It is used on Good Friday to impress upon the minds and hearts of believers the consequences of sin and the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice for us.
“Tenebrae” is a Latin word meaning “shadows” or “darkness.” It points to the darkness that covered the earth at the time of Christ’s crucifixion. This darkness is visually portrayed in the service through a gradual extinguishing of the candles and other lights in the church.
The candles traditionally represent the disciples and the other followers of the Lord. They all gradually run away, leaving Jesus alone. As we descend into darkness, let us contemplate the sadness and despair that we share since our Lord has died. There is nothing left to do but wait...for the day of Resurrection!