The word Tenebrae, meaning “darkness,” appeared after the twelfth century to refer to a series of services observed during the last days of Holy Week.  Beginning on Thursday, the first of these original three Tenebrae services emphasized the betrayal of Jesus by his disciple and friend, Judas.  The Friday service centered upon the rejection, crucifixion and death of God’s only Son, while the final day of the Tenebrae remembered the burial of the Messiah.  Over the course of history, the Tenebrae has been shaped to assist the church in her spiritual pilgrimage to the mount of Golgotha.  Whether the service focuses on the Way of the Cross or the seven sayings spoken from the cross, each part of the service is carefully designed to communicate the significance of the death of Jesus in a dramatic way.

The Jerusalem Cross, shown here, is often associated with the

crucifixion of Jesus.  This ancient cross is comprised of five

separate crosses representing the five wounds inflicted upon the

body of our Savior.  The large center cross represents the wound

in Jesus’ side, while the four smaller crosses represent the wounds

he received in his hands and feet.

The candelabrum located in the center of the sanctuary holds fifteen candles.  As we remember the suffering and agony of Jesus upon the cross, bearing the guilt of our sin and disobedience, we reflect upon seven of the fourteen stations of the cross or the seven sayings Jesus makes from the cross.  With each passing saying, candles are extinguished as Jesus’ life is slowly and tortuously snuffed out.  The service moves through the last hours of Jesus’ life until one light remains - the Light of Christ.  As the Light is swallowed up in “darkness” (Tenebrae), all creation quakes in the darkest of nights. 

good friday