March 30, 2018 | Good Friday Tenebrae
The word “tenebrae” is a Latin word meaning “darkness” or “shadows.” The Tenebrae service is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that makes use of gradually diminishing light in the sanctuary accompanied by the extinguishing of candles. This serves as a reminder of the last few hours of Jesus’ life, leading up to His burial.
This increasing darkness symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus’ death and of hopelessness in the world without God. The service concludes in darkness with the tolling of the bells 33 times. The worshipers then leave in silence to ponder the impact of Christ’s death and await the coming Resurrection.
We look forward to Sunday morning when we receive the joyful news that “Jesus is risen!”