THE MEANING OF TENEBRAE

Our church has had a Tenebrae Service every year on the Thursday before Easter for about 10 years. I didn't have any idea what Tenebrae meant as I had never been in a church that presented it. Here, from the script that was used in the service, is the meaning of Tenebrae:

The Service of Tenebrae is one of the oldest traditions of the Christian Church for the observance of Holy Week. The word means "shadows," and the service takes its name from the ceremony of extinguishing the lights, and the gradual darkness and loneliness that surrounded Christ as He drew nearer to his sacrificial death on the Cross.

After Jesus and his disciples left the Upper Room, and as the Passion Story unfolds, the darkness increases until the crucifixion, when only one candle is left burning - - the Light of God's Love. Like God's Love, it is never put out, and burns alone in hopeful anticipation of Easter.

Using songs and readings of scripture the story is told by readers hidden from sight and the congregation only hears the singing and recitations. Finally a cross is brought in and a recreation

of the crucifixion is portrayed in pantomime until all candles are extinguished except the Christ Candle. Finally, the cross is lit by a spotlight and draped in black.

When the service ends, the congregation leaves the Sanctuary quietly, maintaining the spirit of worship just completed.

It is a very moving and beautiful service and if you haven't had a chance to see one it is something that I would highly recommend.

This service is one that leads up to the glory of Easter morning. 5Then the angel spoke to the women, "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as He said would happen. Matthew 28: 5-6.