Tenebrae

We had a Tenebrae Service today to mark the last morning chapel of the Spring term but more importantly today is also Passover.
The Tenebrae Service is a remembrance of how our Saviour was gradually abandoned and increasing alone. Our downstairs room was set up with a head table draped in cloth. On the table 13 candles were burning. One red candle flanked by 12 white ones. As the readings were concluded, two white candles were extinguished. Eventually only the red on remained.
Tenebrae has a solemn and reflective tone shown in the darkness, the scriptures detail the accounts of Christ’s suffering, in the music and in our silence as we enter and lave the sanctuary. Underlying all of this, however, is the anticipation of the resurrection, which is itself symbolized by the red Christ candle left burning on the table.
We closed with the Lords Prayer an a period of quiet meditation.
No formal closing, just a gentle slipping away out of the room.
Very moving and I believe an important experience as we look to the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.