Lamb of God Lutheran Church

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WE WELCOME you tonight on this most solemn of evenings. Tonight we journey once again to the foot of the Cross. How strange that the path out of the darkness should lead first into the darkness of Good Friday, of our Lord’s death for sin. Only this path leads to the light and freedom of Easter. Children are especially welcome at this service – and if they cry, do not worry, for this reminds us of the sorrow of the people at Jesus’ Crucifixion, when He said, “Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” Luke 23:28 

NOTES ON THE SERVICE The word “tenebrae” means shadows or darkness. Thus this ancient service of the church is a “service of darkness”. Since Good Friday is the most solemn day of the church year this service seeks to reflect that. Rather than follow our normal service format, this service is structured as a series of readings on the crucifixion and death of our Savior Jesus, and its meaning for our lives today. 

The service itself contains a great deal of symbolism. During the course of the service candles are slowly extinguished and the church is slowly darkened until no light remains. This reminds us of the darkness that covered the earth in the hours surrounding the death of Jesus. We recall the words of Jesus on the night of His betrayal, “Now is your hour and the hour of the power of darkness.” At the conclusion of the service, as the congregation sits in complete darkness, the paschal candle (symbolizing Christ) is removed from the church, then 33 Bells are rung – once for each year of our Savior’s life prior to His death. You will then hear a loud noise, to symbolize the sealing of the tomb and the earthquake that followed Christ's death on the cross. The paschal candle is returned to symbolize the death of Jesus and our anticipation of His return in Glory. When a couple of lights are turned on to help you see your way, you are asked to leave the church in complete SILENCE. WE REQUEST THAT NO ONE remain behind to visit following this service but that you immediately return home to contemplate the meaning of your Savior’s sacrifice. Our service awaits completion on Easter Morning when we celebrate the glorious victory of the resurrection. 

You will notice that there is no benediction at the end of this service. That is because this service will not be completed until we celebrate the victory of Jesus over death on Easter morning. Therefore, as you go about tasks on Saturday you should still consider yourself participating in this service. Take time to think and pray over the sacrifice your Savior gave for you.