Originally a service that was observed during each of the last three days of Holy Week, Tenebrae has become a service widely used on the evening of Good Friday. Named from the Latin word for darkness, Tenebrae is a very solemn service that is conducted in subdued lighting and ends in darkness. Despite its somberness, Tenebrae is in no way a "funeral" service for Christ. Instead it is a service that reflects the horrible price that Jesus paid to win the victory that freed us from sin, death and the devil.
Tenebrae is filled with symbolism. At the beginning of the service candles (normally seven) are placed before the altar and lit. The service is typically constructed of seven readings followed by responsive readings of Psalms and reflective music and hymnody. While the traditional readings reflect the seven last words of Jesus from the Cross, other readings that focus us on the Cross may be used in Tenebrae. At the conclusion of each reading a candle is extinguished and the sanctuary lights are lowered to represent the ebbing life of Christ on the Cross. After the final reading and the extinguishing of the final candle, the Christ Candle is removed from the sanctuary to symbolize Christ's body being removed from the Cross and placed in the tomb. At the close of the service a large book is slammed shut for the strepitus - the sound symbolizing the sealing of Christ's tomb.
The service ends in darkness and silence. After silent prayer, the congregation quietly leaves the sanctuary to prepare for our gathering together for the Easter celebration. At the beginning of the Great Vigil of Easter (Saturday night) the Christ candle is brought back into the sanctuary in the darkness remaining from Tenebrae. The Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday night (or the Easter Sunrise service) then reverses the light-to-darkness of Tenebrae by moving from darkness to light as we celebrate Christ's resurrection.
