The service of worship tonight is in part based on an early Christian service called Tenebrae. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows.” The service will focus on Christ’s pain and suffering on the day of his crucifixion. One of the features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our LORD, remains.Toward the end of the service, the last candle is extinguished, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. The silence of darkness that follows symbolizes the wrath of God that Christ took upon himself on our behalf. The candle of hope is then brought forward symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. By this single light we all depart in silence.