To impress on the minds and hearts of believers the awful consequences of sin and magnitude of the Savior’s sacrifice, the ancient church held a special service, called Tenebrae, in the last days of Holy Week.  The word means darkness.

The Tenebrae ceremony is carried out by extinguishing the candles in the “Tenebrae hearse,” or sevenfold candle stand, one by one.  As the entire church is gradually cast into darkness, the death of Jesus on the cross is symbolized, and we are reminded of the greatness of God’s love which led Him to give His Son to die on the cross.

The sanctuary lamp symbolizes the ongoing presence of God, and this remains lighted because we know Jesus remains alive and with us today.

The “strepitus” is the loud noise of the closing of the Book near the close of the service and it symbolizes the closing of Jesus’ tomb.  The penalty of sin has been paid.

One candle remains burning throughout the service. This central candle is called the Christ candle and it symbolizes our Savior.  Its removal symbolizes the death of Jesus, and its return signifies His resurrection.  Yet, even in the midst of death and darkness the forces of hell did not prevail against the light of Christ.  His resurrection is sure!  We depart in both silence and confidence, knowing that the light of Easter will soon scatter the darkness of Good Friday.