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Tenebrae is a Latin word that means "Darkness." The Tenebrae service is a reading of the Passion account from John's Gospel, broken down into 16 readings, and after each of the first fourteen readings a candle is extinguished until the entire sanctuary is clothed in darkness. This represents the light of Christ being extinguised on the cross, and it also represents the three hours of darkness that the people experienced as He hung on the cross. After the 15th reading, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake that occurred at the death of Jesus. It is a somber and solemn service of contemplation. We have attempted to recreate the service in its entirety here, and hope that you will be blessed in its re-enactment.
Entrance - Gathering
The Call to Worship:
God is light, in whom there is no darkness at all.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world,
and we loved darkness rather than light.
Hymn:
Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed (UMH #294)
Opening prayer:
Maundy Thursday (UMH #283)
The Passion of Jesus Christ
Sixteen readings, after each is extinguised one candle until the sanctuary is in "Darkness" (Latin: Tenebrae)
Sending Forth
Hymn:
Were You There (UMH #288)
Dismissal with Blessing
All depart in silence.
Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on April 4, 2020 (Originally published April 9, 2020)
S.D.G.
Lectionary Readings for Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
S5E29: Are You Listening? (When God Speaks pt. 1)
S11E25: The Invitation (Following Christ pt. 1)
S8E38: God’s Calling (God With Us pt. 1)
Lectionary Readings for Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
S8E36: Overwhelmed with Joy (Epiphany 2017)
S11E24: Sacramental Covenant (Covenant pt. 2)
S8E37: Baptized in the Name (Baptism of the Lord 2021)
Lectionary Readings for Baptism of the Lord
Lectionary Readings for Epiphany of the Lord
S8E34: Restored and Vindicated (Christmas 2014)
S11E23: Covenant Holiness (Covenant pt. 1)
Lectionary Readings for Watch Night/New Year’s Day
S8E33: Enjoying the Company (Company’s Coming pt. 6)
Lectionary Readings for First Sunday after Christmas, Year B
S11E22: His Coming Announced (Advent: The Coming of Christ pt. 4)
S6E34: For Unto Us a Child Is Born (Christmas Eve 2014)
S8E32: Welcoming the Guest (Company’s Coming pt 5)
Lectionary Readings for Christmas Eve
S8E31: Waiting on the Threshold (Company’s Coming pt. 4)
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