Theater of the Church

Tonight (well, last night, by the time you read this) we rehearsed our annual "Tenebrae" service -- the "Service of Darkness" we hold every year on Good Friday.

The service takes place with no light other than six candles and the Christ candle. The service centers on the story of the trial and crucifixion, organized around seven sections, representing the seven last words of Christ. The pastor reads the narration (essentially words from one of the Gospels) and the choir serves as the voices in the story, read from the balcony behind the congregation. After each section, one candle is extinguished, and since the service begins at 6:30 PM, the sanctuary gets gradually darker as candles go out and the sun sets. Between each section, the choir sings a Lenten song. "Were You There? (When They Crucified My Lord)" and "O Sacred Head" and others.

This particular worship service is very theatrical. It immerses the congregation in the stillness, the darkness, the sadness of the event. Though I prefer Christmas Eve as a holiday, our service for December 24th is not nearly as moving as the Tenebrae service is. I look forward to participating every year, and it would be something I'd miss if I left this congregation.

When all the other candles have been extinguished, and the Christ candle is walked out of the sanctuary to represent Jesus' entombment, it's easy to feel the despair that must have come upon the disciples. And when we then encircle the congregation to join them in singing "Beautiful Savior" to conclude the service, we join in the certain hope of what will come on Easter Sunday.

It is powerful theater, in the very best sense.

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This year, the Tenebrae has even more meaning than some years, because Adam called and asked if we were going to attend -- and since we are, he and Marisa would like to join us. Lucas and Lee, when asked, quickly said they would come, also.

Unprompted, the family wants to gather for the Tenebrae. Tradition, Faith, Family. It brings this father joy.