In the darkness of the cross, the light of salvation shines brightest.

The Strepitus—a loud noise near the end of the Tenebrae service—startles us out of our meditation on Christ’s death and burial. We watch as the seventh candle is returned to the sanctuary to burn there even after we have left. We assent with the hymn, “Rest, O Christ, from all your labor; sleep within your borrowed tomb” (Christian Worship 437:1), because we know that the story does not end on Calvary but continues at the empty and victorious tomb of Easter.

The Service of Tenebrae underscores that Christ’s death was not a defeat but the means by which he conquered sin, death, and the devil. The darkness of Good Friday points directly to the light of dawn on Easter Sunday. God’s greatest glory is revealed in his Son’s suffering: In the darkness of the cross, the light of salvation shines brightest. As we leave the church in silence, we know that God’s work is often hidden, but it is never absent. Even in the darkest moments, his promises remain sure.

The service fittingly ends with a hymn proclaiming Christian hope in the face of death. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we know that our bodies will rest in the narrow chamber of our grave only until he comes and awakens us. Then with our own eyes, we will see our Redeemer (Job 19:25-27) and give him eternal praise.

Lord, let at last thine angels come, to Abr’ham’s bosom bear
me home that I may die unfearing;
and in its narrow chamber keep my body safe in peaceful
sleep until thy reappearing.
And then from death awaken me that these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, thy glorious face, my Savior and my fount of grace.
Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend,
and I will praise thee without end.
(Christian Worship 817:3; ©1993 GIA Publications, Inc.)

Tenebrae beckons us into the shadows for a time of meditation, a time of prayer, and a time of pondering the unfathomable love of our Savior-God. But it does not leave us in darkness. We leave knowing that the Light of the world still shines. We leave convinced that it’s only Friday, and Sunday’s coming.

Click to follow the entire Service of Tenebrae. 

Photo | Mel Anne Designs

Author: Jonathan Schroeder
Volume 112, Number 03
Issue: March 2025